Tolerance and charity are hardwired into the UAE’s DNA thanks to Sheikh Zayed

Today, we may look upon the traditions of progress and charity defined by the modern UAE and almost take them for granted.

One may be lulled into believing that a nation of profound means would naturally be tolerant and would give to those in need. Yet these fundamental values are not innate. Indeed, in the context of the world history, such values have often lingered in the minority.

That’s why I look at Sheikh Zayed and see a man – a person – who dug into his own beliefs, his own history and values and chose tolerance, charity and progress at a time when such choices required bold and visionary leadership. And he did so consistently, day in and day out, for many decades, until those beliefs were enshrined in the nation to which he gave birth.

Today, that impact is embodied in the vibrant progress of this great nation. It is in the bones of every skyscraper; in the arteries of fibre optic cables, satellites and all the infrastructure that drives progress. It is in the eyes of every child who looks ahead to the future and sees opportunity. And, of course, it is in the UAE’s tradition of giving to those most in need.