Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence

The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence is a government ministry in the United Arab Emirates that is in charge of regulating and maintaining religious tolerance and coexistence between indigenous and overseas communities in the country.

History

The ministry was created in February 2016 and was known until 2022 as the Ministry of Tolerance.
The ministry was established in accordance with the National Tolerance Programme, a UAE government initiative of highlighting religious diversity and coexistence among communities in the country. The ministry was the brainchild of UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. Sheikha Lubna Khalid al-Qasimi served as its inaugural minister until she was succeeded by Nahyan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan in October 2017.
The Ministry promotes an yearly National Festival of Tolerance and Coexistence, featuring cultural performances by different communities. The 2025 edition had China as a guest of honor.
The UAE sees tolerance as a source of "economic capital and attracting skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, and global investment. The tolerance agenda reinforces the country’s image as a safe and aspirational hub". UAE's initiatives are also disseminated by other entities, such as the Hedayah think tank, and the Al Sawab center, focused on countering extremist ideologies worldwide.