While many Middle Eastern countries are marred by sectarian conflict, or the rise of intolerant religious extremism, one Arab nation is bucking the trend: the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is best known for being at the heart of globalized capitalism and a center for 21st century decadence. But, surprisingly, the wealthy state has recently gone all “peace and love,” with a new campaign for tolerance in the country.
In February the government appointed a Minister for Tolerance, and introduced a surprisingly popular “tolerance handsign”. A government statement said: “Tolerance is no catchphrase, but a quality we must cherish and practice. It must be woven into the fabric of our society to safeguard our future and maintain the progress we have made.”
Wishy-washy it might appear, but it seems that it’s Emirati citizens, who make up only ten per cent of the population, are fully on board with these sentiments. Today, on International Tolerance Day, they have taken in hoards to Twitter to express desire for peaceful coexistence, and pride in their nation which will celebrate its 45th National Day in two weeks time:
ستبقى #الامارات_وطن_التسامح للابد ..
— 3doOL (@3dooL_BA) November 16, 2016
و شعبها عنوان للتسامح و التعايش لكل الشعوب
دمت لنا يا وطن pic.twitter.com/vDeYs2Gizk
The Emirates will remain #a_nation_of_tolerance forever... Its people are the embodiment of the tolerance and coexistence of all peoples. May you endure, our nation!
The picture reads: The presence of more than 200 nationalities on Emirati land and their work together as one team in the service of the nation is a symbol of tolerance in the Emirates, and of esteem and respect for others.
#الامارات_وطن_التسامح والدليل 200 جنسية اجتمعت على أرضها بوئام وحب وتكاتف قلّ نظيره في أي مكان من العالم الامارات تقدم للعام #رسالة_التسامح
— moza alshoomi (@om_abady) November 16, 2016
#Emirates_nation_of_tolerance and the proof is that 200 nationalities come together on our land in harmony, love and joining forces. This is unparalleled anywhere in the world.
أيقن كطبيب أن #الامارات_وطن_التسامح فأيادي الخير تمتد من قيادة ومواطنين ومقيمين في علاج المرضى المتعسرين بغض النظر عن الجنس، العرق، الدين
— د. أنور الحمادي (@anwar_alhammadi) November 16, 2016
I realize as a doctor that #Emirates_is_a_nation_of_tolerance The hands of goodness extend from the leadership and the citizens and the foreign residents to treat patients regardless of sex, race, religion.
Some people even held celebrations of diversity in their work places:
اليوم احتفلنا في قسم التدريب في مؤسسة دبي لخدمات الاسعاف ب #اليوم_العالمي_للتسامح #الامارات_وطن_التسامحpic.twitter.com/AlE1FBU9Ke
— Aziza othman (@aziza_othman) November 16, 2016
Today we celebrated #WorldDayforTolerance in the Training Section at the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services #Emirates_Nation_of_Tolerance
Minority voices expressed concern that the Emirates is losing its Islamic character:
#الامارات_وطن_التسامح
— الفطين(@alfatin11) November 16, 2016
وين التسامح ياأهالي الإمارت ماشفنا غير الأنفتاح والدعاره فالفنادق والضياع والشباب تم تدميره، وضاعت هويتكم الإسلاميه.
#Emirates_nation_of_tolerance Where is the tolerance of people of the Emirates. We have only seen openness, prostitution, hotels and loss and the destruction of young people, and you have lost your Islamic identity.
Nonetheless, the major voice in the Emirates on the International Day for Tolerance was that of love and acceptance:
التسامح دواء مقووي قد يعالج أمراض الأمة العربية والإسلامية في هذا الزمن.
— حسين الخالدي (@7assen001) November 16, 2016
#الامارات_وطن_التسامح
Tolerance is a strengthening medicine which could address the malaise of the Arab and Islamic nation at this time. #Emirates_nation_of_tolerance
Let’s hope this sentiment spreads to the rest of the region.
RA
