Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman and founder of the Al Dobowi Group and chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple in Dubai.
In a world that seems increasingly divided along lines of faith, culture and ideology, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands as a beacon of hope, exemplifying how diversity can be celebrated rather than feared. As someone who has spent over four decades in the UAE, I have witnessed firsthand how this young and dynamic nation has cultivated an atmosphere of tolerance, coexistence and acceptance. The UAE’s commitment to promoting harmony among its diverse population of over 200 nationalities sets a remarkable example for the region and the world.
One of the most striking features of the UAE is its leadership's dedication to nurturing interfaith dialogue and providing platforms for religious communities to thrive. The UAE is home to not only a Muslim majority but also a significant number of Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jews. In the country’s cultural melting pot, people of all faiths have found a sense of belonging and respect, something that is increasingly rare in other parts of the world.
The most iconic symbol of this commitment to interfaith respect is the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Dubai, the largest Sikh temple in the region. Built on land graciously provided by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this temple serves as a place not only for Sikh worship but also for community service. The Gurudwara’s Langar (free community kitchen) embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing and selfless service. It is open to everyone, regardless of background, ethnicity or religion. On any given day, people from all walks of life gather to share a meal, strengthening the bond of unity in diversity.
What makes this development even more profound is the UAE government’s unwavering support for such initiatives. Under the leadership of the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the country has gone beyond symbolic gestures. A key example of this is the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, a groundbreaking initiative that houses a mosque, church and synagogue in the same complex, further reflecting the UAE’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue. This project is a testament to the UAE's desire to foster understanding and unity among people of different religions, highlighting the nation’s progressive approach to peacebuilding.
Moreover, the UAE's Ministry of Tolerance, headed by Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahayan, serves as a reminder that tolerance is not just an abstract concept but a key value enshrined in the country's social fabric. The UAE’s strategic focus on tolerance is further exemplified by the National Programme for Tolerance, which promotes mutual understanding and respect across communities and cultures.
In many ways, the UAE's commitment to tolerance mirrors the teachings of the country’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His leadership philosophy, rooted in compassion and understanding, continues to inspire the nation. Sheikh Zayed believed that true strength lies in embracing differences and fostering inclusivity. His famous words, “Tolerance is a duty. If God, the Greatest, the Almighty Creator, is forgiving, we human beings are all brothers,” echo through the corridors of history as a reminder of the values that have shaped the UAE into the progressive, welcoming society it is today.
The UAE’s history of religious tolerance dates back centuries. Archaeological findings on Sir Bani Yas Island, which revealed the region’s oldest Christian church, attest to the long-standing tradition of coexistence between different religious groups in the area. The UAE, despite being a relatively young nation, has always been a crossroads of cultures, religions and ideas. Its commitment to moderation, reflected in the practice of wasatiyyah (the Middle Path in Islam), has made it a safe haven for people of all beliefs.
Today, the UAE continues to exemplify how religious and cultural diversity can be an asset rather than a liability. With the growing number of foreign expatriates and an increasing number of houses of worship — 40 churches, a Synagogue, two Hindu temples, a Sikh Gurudwara, and a Buddhist monastery — across the country, the UAE has become a model of peaceful coexistence. The UAE’s embrace of diversity has not only attracted businesses and global talent but has also made it a preferred destination for those seeking a life free from religious persecution.
What sets the UAE apart is not just its acceptance of diversity but the proactive steps it has taken to promote it. The government has introduced programmes that encourage tolerance and coexistence through education, cultural exchanges and interfaith dialogue. The UAE’s hosting of the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies, which seeks to foster peace and cooperation within the Muslim world, is just one example of the country's commitment to making the world a better place for all people, regardless of their faith.
The UAE’s success in building a harmonious, inclusive society should serve as an inspiration to other nations. In a world where divisions often seem insurmountable, the UAE shows that it is possible to build a nation where respect for diversity is not just a political slogan but a lived reality. The path to peace and prosperity lies in understanding and embracing differences, and the UAE has set a powerful example for the world to follow.
As the UAE continues to grow and evolve, it remains a symbol of what can be achieved when people come together in the spirit of tolerance, compassion and mutual respect. The values of unity, coexistence and acceptance that are woven into the fabric of UAE society are not just the foundation for the country's success — they are the building blocks for a brighter, more peaceful future for the entire world.
Surender Singh Kandhari is the chairman and founder of the Al Dobowi Group and chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple in Dubai
