The UAE: A Beacon of Tolerance and Diplomacy in the Fight Against Extremism
August 13, 2024, 10:37 am

The UAE: A Beacon of Tolerance and Diplomacy in the Fight Against Extremism

Michael Arizanti

In an era where global threats loom large, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands out as a nation committed to fostering unity and supporting international communities. Since its establishment, the UAE has made humanitarian diplomacy a cornerstone of its foreign policy, a legacy initiated by its founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This commitment to aiding others, regardless of their background or political affiliations, is deeply embedded in the Emirati identity.

The UAE's Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy, initially established under the Ministry of the Cabinet and the Future in 2014 and later transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscores the nation's reputation for modernity and tolerance. This office plays a crucial role in coordinating the UAE's extensive humanitarian efforts.

With its expanding diplomatic ties and logistical capabilities, the UAE is well-positioned to deliver humanitarian aid efficiently to its intended destinations. The nation's vision of leading in "humanitarian diplomacy" is not just a lofty goal but a tangible commitment that has been demonstrated time and again.

The UAE's humanitarian efforts extend across the globe. In the Philippines, following Typhoon Carina, the UAE provided significant relief to help the nation recover from the devastation. In Gaza, the UAE has consistently provided vital medical supplies, water, food, and electricity. The UAE also pledged USD 100 million for the Sudanese relief program, with 70% of the funds already distributed through the United Nations.

In 2019, the UAE declared it the "Year of Tolerance," a testament to its dedication to sheltering, feeding, and treating populations affected by war, natural disasters, famine, and medical crises. Since its inception, the UAE has distributed approximately USD 25.11 billion in humanitarian aid, with a noticeable increase in aid destinations in 2022, reaching a total of USD 3.45 billion.

The UAE's commitment to humanitarian aid is not limited to immediate relief efforts. The nation is also investing heavily in sustainability and medical fields, laying the groundwork for future leaders and sustainable food production. These initiatives are crucial in addressing global challenges and finding solutions to medical crises.

The UAE's role in the fight against extremism and terrorism is equally significant. The nation has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to counter radical ideologies and promote a moderate version of Islam. Through initiatives like the Sawab Center, the UAE has been actively countering the propaganda of extremist groups online. The UAE's role in the Middle East is also crucial in promoting stability and countering the influence of extremist groups.

In a world where extremism and intolerance threaten global peace and security, the UAE stands as a role model. Its commitment to tolerance, diplomacy, and humanitarian aid sets an example for nations worldwide. As the UAE continues to lead in humanitarian diplomacy, it paves the way for a more peaceful and united world.

BY: Michael Arizanti

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”