The year 2019 is a particularly important year for UAE  cultural diplomacy, which coincides with the declaration of year 2019 as the year of tolerance,  announcing the UAE as the global capital of tolerance. This is demonstrated by embracing more than 200 different nationalities with their various cultures, beliefs and traditions in the UAE. Leadership in the United Arab Emirates, believes in the success it has achieved in forming this interconnected Emirati  society that enjoys homogeneity, peace, and mutual respect is an applicable model to all human societies.

UAE  leadership has been taking steady steps  towards building a culture of tolerance and, in a very brief time, many  organizations were found and events launched to implement the initiatives of the Year of Tolerance 2019. The year 2019 was highlighted by the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the United Arab Emirates, in addition to the formation of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity. This paved the way for  more projects such as “The Abrahamic Family House", a place for religious tolerance and education, along with many other initiatives embedding the values ​​of  peaceful co-existence, dialogue and human interaction.

Here is where the UAE’s cultural diplomacy  via diplomatic missions abroad play a key role, taking the lead in organizing social and cultural initiatives abroad to spread the messages of the UAE’s  government and people. Showcasing our openness to the world and inviting them to partner with us culturally, intellectually, artistically and humanly, demonstrating that it is not impossible to accept our differences in all its forms. Thus the factors that separate us are fewer than the ones that unite us; with the basis of tolerance and acceptance of one another.

His Excellency Majid Al Suwaidi

UAE Ambassador to Spain

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation