Page 147 - MINISTRY OF CULTURE PR REPORT - MAY 2025 (ENGLISH)

5/29/25, 5:05 PM Nahyan bin Mubarak: We learnt from Zayed that 'identity' and 'tolerance' are not slogans but interconnected actions - Aletihad News…
his soul - that values should be part of our daily lives," he said.

For Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the most prominent feature of Emirati society is its ethical and value system, as well
as its diversity and richness, enabling it to face all challenges with confidence. These values also drive a strong
motivation to work together for development, stability, and prosperity.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence works through all its programmes to
preserve this unity, so that the UAE - with its wise leadership and united society of citizens and residents - can become
a global model of coexistence. He emphasised that preserving and developing this successful model is our collective
responsibility.

The ministry, together with organisations such as Sandooq Al Watan, aims to strengthen the Emirati identity by
connecting the nation's sons and daughters to their heritage. Among their several initiatives is the "My UAE Story"
competition, which coincides with the Year of Community.

"My UAE Story" is a comprehensive community initiative that strengthens national identity and promotes tolerance and
coexistence, the minister explained. It highlights inspiring stories, positive community practices, and achievements that
embody the spirit and values of the UAE society.

"We deeply believe that every individual in this nation has a story worth telling, and that these stories, no matter how
simple they may seem, reflect the spirit of the union and highlight the values of the country," Sheikh Nahyan bin
Mubarak said. He noted that "My UAE Story" allows every individual - whether citizens or expats - to share what it's
like to live in the UAE.

He described the initiative as a free space with emotional and national dimensions, and those who participate in it will
be contributing to a living archive of the UAE's image - as seen by its residents, serving as a source of inspiration to
all.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan revealed that work is underway on a strategic plan to transform the "My UAE
Story" competition into a permanent platform for documenting community life in the UAE. It could be renewed annually
with new topics and formats, so that it becomes a living reference for the development of national identity and
expressions of coexistence.

The following are excerpts from the interview:

As the UAE celebrates the Year of Community, what can the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and
Sandooq Al Watan offer this year?

First, I am always happy to engage with Aletihad Newspaper and its readers. I hope this dialogue will be fruitful and
beneficial for everyone. The Year of Community is a wonderful start, and I thank you for choosing the Year of
Community as a starting point for this dialogue. An announcement made by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed
Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, declared that 2025 would be the Year of Community.

The Year of Community is an important national initiative because it seeks to promote the values of Emirati society,
represented by tolerance, coexistence, flexibility, ambition, and openness. It also aims to empower the society and
support its unity by encouraging behaviours that strengthen family and social ties, embrace responsibility by

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