The official logo for the UAE Year of Tolerance - a ghaf tree under which people of all views and backgrounds would meet in the past - has been unveiled by the Ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, also Vice President, posted the video on his Twitter account that displays the new logo. "Tolerance is a universal value, and Ghaf is our authentic national tree, a source of life and symbol of stability in the middle of the desert, under its shadows our ancestors gathered to consult on matters related to their daily lives," he said. "In the ‘Year of Tolerance’, we chose the Ghaf as a logo for all of us to live by the principles of tolerance, coexistence and diversity." He said that the tree symbolised tolerance and coexistence. The Supreme National Committee of the Year of Tolerance said the tree "represents a great cultural value in the UAE and is associated with the identity and heritage of the country". "The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan has given great importance to the Ghaf and issued laws and regulations prohibiting the cutting of the tree throughout the country," read a statement from the committee, which is chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. "Our ancestors and tribes gathered under the shadows of the Ghaf trees to discuss their daily matters. Also, a number of UAE rulers used to meet their citizens and listen to their demands directly under the shadows of these trees. "The Ghaf is planted in many countries around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and the Americas, but under different names. For us, this year, we aim to establish it as a global logo for tolerance." In December, The UAE announced that 2018 would be the Year of Tolerance in order to promote the nation’s vision of prosperity and stability in the region. President Sheikh Khalifa declared that making 2019 the Year of Tolerance would highlight the UAE’s position as an international capital for acceptance via its legislative and policy goals. "Instilling values of tolerance carries on Sheikh Zayed's legacy and teachings," Sheikh Khalifa said at the time. “It is one of the most important attributes that we can impact on our people and the global community to ensure the safety, stability and happiness of peoples across the world.”
