🍀 Tolerance helps create an inclusive society
Building a Culture of Tolerance and Coexistence
EOSTAH promotes mutual respect, cultural understanding, and peaceful dialogue across communities in the UAE and beyond. Together, we strengthen unity through diversity.
The UAE’s Journey of Tolerance: A Legacy of Coexistence
​The United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a remarkable example of a nation that has embraced the principles of tolerance, coexistence, and respect for diversity throughout its history. From its roots as a collection of small, diverse trading communities along the Arabian Gulf to its present status as a global hub, the UAE’s story is deeply woven with threads of cultural exchange and peaceful interaction. This unique approach has enabled the UAE to become a pioneer of tolerance in the modern world, offering a model for harmony among people of various backgrounds, faiths, and nationalities
​The creation of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in 2016 is one such milestone, underscoring the UAE government’s proactive stance in promoting harmonious living
Historically, the UAE was a key center for trade and commerce, connecting East and West. Early settlements along the Arabian Peninsula, now part of the UAE, welcomed traders from India, Persia, and Africa, among other regions. These interactions fostered an early culture of acceptance and understanding, as people of diverse cultural backgrounds coexisted peacefully and built relationships based on trade and mutual respect.
This era of openness laid the groundwork for the UAE’s approach to diversity and tolerance, with generations passing down a legacy of valuing and respecting differences. The formal establishment of the UAE in 1971, under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, marked the beginning of a new chapter. Sheikh Zayed recognized the importance of uniting not only the seven emirates but also the people from various nations who were arriving in increasing numbers. From the outset, Sheikh Zayed emphasized values such as compassion, inclusion, and unity, establishing a solid foundation for coexistence that remains central to the UAE’s identity today. He was famously known for his words, “A person should respect others’ religions in the same way as he respects his own.” Sheikh Zayed’s legacy continues to guide the UAE’s approach to welcoming people from all walks of life.
The UAE’s commitment to tolerance has been institutionalized over the years, with major milestones that solidify its role as a nation dedicated to inclusivity. The creation of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in 2016 is one such milestone, underscoring the UAE government’s proactive stance in promoting harmonious living. Through national initiatives such as the National Festival of Tolerance and the Year of Tolerance (2019), the UAE has championed policies that combat discrimination, promote equality, and instill values of acceptance in both nationals and expatriates. The Year of Tolerance highlighted these values globally, culminating in the signing of the historic Document on Human Fraternity between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, establishing a global framework for peaceful interfaith dialogue. In parallel, the UAE has implemented laws and regulations to safeguard tolerance and prevent discrimination. The Anti-Discrimination Law, for instance, criminalizes acts of hate and incitement against any group or individual based on religion, race, ethnicity, or belief. This legal framework supports the UAE’s multicultural society, ensuring that people from over 200 nationalities coexist harmoniously. The government also encourages open religious practices.Â
​​The diversity of nationalities showcases the UAE’s role as a global crossroads
​The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to a vibrant and diverse population, with residents from over 200 nationalities living and working within its borders. Known for its welcoming environment and inclusive policies, the UAE attracts expatriates from all corners of the globe, fostering a unique blend of cultures, languages, and traditions. This multicultural society reflects the UAE’s commitment to tolerance and coexistence, allowing people of different backgrounds to thrive alongside one another. As a result, expatriates make up a significant majority of the population, contributing to the UAE’s economic growth, cultural richness, and global appeal. This diversity is celebrated in various facets of Emirati life, from festivals and cuisine to workplaces and neighborhoods, creating a harmonious society that sets an example of peaceful coexistence for the world
​In recent years, the UAE has inaugurated the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, a multi-faith complex housing a mosque, church, and synagogue. This unique establishment promotes mutual respect, dialogue, and understanding between the Abrahamic religions, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to religious tolerance. Education plays a crucial role in fostering tolerance among younger generations in the UAE. School curricula across the nation are designed to promote values of tolerance, inclusion, and peace. The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced tolerance programs in schools, teaching young Emiratis and expatriates alike about the importance of respecting others and working together to create a cohesive society. Youth initiatives, such as the Tolerance Ambassadors program, empower students to act as advocates of tolerance, preparing them to be responsible, open-minded members of society. The UAE’s society is one of the most diverse in the world. With a population that comprises more than 85% expatriates, the nation has developed an inclusive model that integrates people of different ethnicities, faiths, and cultural backgrounds. This unique approach to multiculturalism has made the UAE an attractive destination for both residents and visitors, as it embraces everyone and provides a safe, welcoming environment. Multiculturalism enriches the country’s social and economic fabric, as people from all corners of the world contribute to its development and growth. The ability of the UAE to maintain harmony in such a diverse setting is a testament to its dedication to tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
In conclusion, the UAE’s journey from its early days as a collection of trading communities to a modern-day global center for commerce and culture is marked by a profound respect for diversity and unity. Today, the UAE stands as a beacon of tolerance, offering a model for the world on how to foster peace, respect, and understanding among people of different backgrounds. Through its laws, policies, and initiatives, the UAE has shown that diversity is not just accepted but celebrated, forming the bedrock of a society where all can thrive in harmony. The values of tolerance and coexistence are not merely slogans in the UAE but a way of life, shaping the nation’s path toward a peaceful and prosperous future for all who call it home.Â
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Membership
EOSTAH membership brings together individuals committed to promoting tolerance, coexistence, and social harmony through active participation and shared responsibility.
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​Active Membership
Are the founding members and everyone who joins the society and meets the conditions mentioned in artical 1, provided that he is a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (unless he is excluded based on the provisions of the law)
​Membership
Fee: 500 AED​
Fee: 500 AED​
1- Nomination and election for membership in the Board of Directors.
2- Voting and voting in General Assembly meetings.
3- Practicing various available activities and utilizing the association’s property in accordance with the association’s decisions and regulations.​
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2- Voting and voting in General Assembly meetings.
3- Practicing various available activities and utilizing the association’s property in accordance with the association’s decisions and regulations.​
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​Associate Membership
Members who reside in the country and meets the conditions mentioned in artical 1 in accordance with the provisions of the law, with the exception of the condition of having the citizenship of the country         Â
Membership
Fee: 200 AED​
Fee: 200 AED​
​1- Nomination and election for membership in the Board of Directors.
2- Practicing various available activities and utilizing the association’s property in accordance with the association’s decisions and regulations.
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2- Practicing various available activities and utilizing the association’s property in accordance with the association’s decisions and regulations.
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​Honorary Membership
​They are those whom the Board of Directors deems appropriate to grant this membership and meets the conditions mentioned in artical 1,
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Fee: 500 AED​
Fee: 500 AED​
1. choose from among those of stature and opinion who have performed great services for the state or the society or who have distinguished activity in the field of public services and volunteer work
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