Nahyan bin Mubarak Inaugurates the Annual Forum for Tolerance and National Identity Clubs at Universities
- Posted on:Oct 07, 2025
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of the National Fund, affirmed that Tolerance Clubs and National Identity Clubs always focus on youth development as a key national priority. He emphasized that under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, the UAE is keen to provide all means of excellence and success for both citizens and residents, empowering them to reach their full potential.
He added: “We congratulate ourselves on having a President who works with determination and sincerity to ensure that the youth of this nation become a source of truth and goodness, and role models of productive work and serious performance. As we celebrate the achievements of the Tolerance and Coexistence Clubs and the National Identity Clubs, it is my honor to extend to His Highness the President of the State my deepest gratitude, appreciation, and respect. I assure His Highness that we are all committed to fulfilling his comprehensive vision of enabling all Emirati sons and daughters to contribute fully and effectively to the development of society and the nation.”
His remarks came during the opening of the Fourth Annual Forum for University Tolerance and National Identity Clubs, hosted by Al Ain University.
The forum was attended by presidents and directors of UAE universities, club supervisors, and more than 500 male and female students representing Tolerance Clubs and National Identity Clubs at various universities. Also present were Her Excellency Afra Al Sabri, Director General at the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, and His Excellency Yasser Al Gergawi, Director General of the National Fund.
Tolerance and National Identity as Core Values
H.E. Sheikh Nahyan stressed that this annual gathering, which brings together Tolerance Clubs and National Identity Clubs, strongly reaffirms that tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity are essential components of the UAE’s national identity. He noted that the members of these clubs, along with their peers, embody through their confidence, patriotism, loyalty to the nation’s history, culture, leadership, and symbols, the aspirations of society for a prosperous present and a bright future.
He added that the annual forum confirms that these clubs are a genuine complement to the educational process. Through their initiatives and activities, students develop sound thinking skills, positive behavior, and the ability to communicate, engage in dialogue, and work jointly with others. These clubs also help students develop strong awareness of societal issues and contemporary developments, which in turn prepares them to become responsible citizens who actively contribute to the nation’s comprehensive development, both during their studies and after graduation.
Recognizing Students’ Role
H.E. Sheikh Nahyan highlighted that the work of the Tolerance and National Identity Clubs reflects the intelligence and commitment of their members, their pride in their national identity, their loyalty to the country and its leadership, and their appreciation of the UAE’s pivotal role regionally and globally. He praised the students’ dedication to preserving the authentic values and principles that shape the UAE’s present and future.
He extended his greetings to the club members for their fruitful work, expressing his pride in their role in building peace, harmony, and rejecting conflict and division, while affirming shared human values. He called on them to be genuine drivers of positive change in society, to stay engaged with their nation’s journey, to discuss key national issues, and to organize events, competitions, charitable and volunteer activities, and environmental initiatives. He encouraged them to embody through their thoughts and actions all the principles and traits that the world associates with the UAE.
He also urged club members to make serving the nation and doing good their ultimate goal, and to reject extremist and destructive ideologies. Their work, he said, sends a powerful message from the UAE to the world about the role of tolerance and coexistence in achieving progress and peace. It is also a means of showcasing the UAE’s pioneering model in promoting tolerance, human fraternity, national pride, and cultural heritage.
H.E. Sheikh Nahyan encouraged the clubs to take advantage of the “Year of Community” to engage meaningfully with all segments of society, affirming that a tolerant society that values its identity and culture while remaining open to others is successful by all measures. He stressed that the values and principles embedded in the UAE’s rich heritage are a great source of inspiration and energy for giving and achievement.
He added that attending this forum every year deepens his pride in the Emirati youth and reinforces his confidence in the bright future awaiting the nation. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the National Fund to work with university students to nurture them as leaders of tolerance and ambassadors of a strong, sustainable national identity. He prayed for the UAE’s continued progress, prosperity, and stability under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Remarks from Al Ain University
Dr. Noor-Eddine Atatreh, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Al Ain University, said that the forum sends a powerful message reflecting the nation’s deep commitment to the enduring values established by the founding fathers—led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul—who made tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect fundamental pillars of the country’s renaissance.
He commended H.E. Sheikh Nahyan for his support, emphasizing that his patronage of this annual forum underscores that tolerance is not merely a social value but a national strategy and a cornerstone of the UAE’s global leadership. He stressed that Al Ain University remains committed to instilling these values in students and embedding them in curricula.
He extended his gratitude to H.E. Sheikh Nahyan for his continuous support in promoting tolerance, coexistence, and national identity.
Student Perspective and Activities
Speaking on behalf of the student members of Tolerance and National Identity Clubs, Zainab Al Hamidi from Al Ain University described the clubs as “a school of life and a platform for embedding the authentic values on which the UAE was founded.” She highlighted that the clubs have taught students that values are not just slogans but daily practices that begin with self-respect and extend to building bridges with others, regardless of their backgrounds, cultures, or religions.
She added that these clubs provided students from various disciplines the opportunity to connect, with each meeting opening a new window to the nation and the world.
Awards and Sessions
The forum concluded with honoring universities whose clubs won this year’s Tolerance Shield and recognizing the student winners of the Tolerance Orbit Competition. H.E. Sheikh Nahyan toured the Tolerance Orbit Exhibition, which featured participation from 12 universities.
The program also included open sessions led by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and the National Fund to introduce the clubs, present a vision on tolerance and national identity, discuss club activities and timelines for upcoming events and competitions, and launch the second edition of the “Our Heritage in Words” competition for university students across the UAE.
-WAM-
