UAE envoy highlights tolerance, coexistence at iftar event in Korea

UAE Ambassador to Korea Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi speaks during the tolerance and coexistence event at his residence in Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Kim Hyun-bin

The United Arab Emirates' ambassador to Korea, Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, underscored his country's commitment to tolerance and coexistence during an iftar gathering the embassy hosted, with dignitaries and representatives from various religious communities in attendance.

"This evening, as we come together during Ramadan, we celebrate not only the custom of sharing a meal but also the values that characterize this sacred month — compassion, generosity and crucially, togetherness," Al Nuaimi said at his residence in Seoul on Tuesday.

Al Nuaimi emphasized that tolerance is at the core of the UAE's national identity, tracing its roots back to its founding principles.

"Our nation was founded on the idea of coexistence and mutual respect, a principle put forth by our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan," he said.

Under the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the country continues to promote these values on both local and global stages, the ambassador added.

"From creating the Ministry of Tolerance and appointing the first Minister of Tolerance to mark 2019 as the 'Year of Tolerance,' our goal has been to highlight the UAE as a global capital for tolerance and a bridge of communication between people of different cultures."

He noted that the UAE has actively worked to embed these values into its policies and society.

"The aim has been to deepen the values of tolerance and coexistence among cultures by teaching the youth the importance of these principles," Al Nuaimi said. "In addition, we have focused on legislative and policy-oriented objectives that contribute to mandating cultural and religious tolerance through peaceful dialogue and projects."

One of the most notable milestones in recent years, he highlighted, was the 2023 opening of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi.

"This interfaith complex on Saadiyat Island consists of a mosque, a church and a synagogue, reflecting the deep-rooted values of tolerance within Emirati culture and their application in daily life."

Al Nuaimi also spoke about the strong relationship between Korea and the UAE, describing it as a partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity.

"Ramadan serves as a reminder that our differences can be bridges rather than barriers, with our collective strength lying in our unity," he said.

As the evening concluded, the ambassador encouraged guests to view tolerance as an everyday practice rather than just an abstract concept.

"As we enjoy this iftar meal together, I encourage us all to contemplate the significance of tolerance — not just as a concept, but as a daily practice that helps us draw closer as individuals, communities and nations."

Iftar is the evening meal that Muslims eat at sunset to break their daily fast during Ramadan. It typically begins with dates and water, followed by a larger meal.