SHARJAH, 6th June, 2017 (WAM) -- Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, has affirmed that the UAE adopts an approach of tolerance towards all members of society regardless of their race or religion thanks to the values of coexistence and tolerance emphasised in the Islamic faith, the UAE constitution, and the teachings of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Her remarks came during a gathering with over 200 female family members of UAE heroes at the third Ramadan Majlis initiative, organised by the Martyrs Families Affairs Office and the Higher National Committee for the #Year of Giving, and co-organised by the General Secretariat of the Cabinet to the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future.

"The UAE is a land of tolerance and giving, and this translates into embracing more than 200 nationalities working in one harmonious society founded by a leadership that respects all people regardless of their differences," said Sheikha Lubna. "The best way to endorse mutual respect among all members of society is by appreciating their efforts, giving them their rights, and establishing justice," she added.

She praised the sacrifices made by UAE heroes and their families. "Our leaders are firm believers in giving and extending a helping hand, it is their priority and vision to establish justice and tolerance on the ground, and the sacrifices of UAE heroes to support our brothers is unquestionable evidence of the solidarity between our leadership and our people to stand for what is right," Sheikha Lubna said.

The Minister emphasised that the UAE's humanitarian role is a reflection of its belief in spreading values of coexistence, peace and love around the world. "The UAE will continue to provide help to Arab countries to achieve security and stability within their societies, it will also continue to foster peace, and undertake initiatives in the service of humanitarian causes on international, regional and local levels," she continued.

Al Qasimi expressed her pride, shared by the leaders of the UAE, of the heroes mothers for their role in raising men who offer the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their country.

"Since the founding days, UAE leaders have been keen on empowering and supporting women because they believe in the importance of their role in the development of society," she said, adding, "UAE women continue to provide bright examples of success stories to the world, they excel in raising generations of patriotic sons willing to give their all for their country and are role models for tolerance and giving." The Majlis commenced with a recitation of the holy Quran by Zakaria Al Shafei, the 10 year old and youngest contestant participating in this year's edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award representing the United Kingdom.

Families present at the Ramadan Majlis were interacting in an active dialogue with Sheikha Lubna. They praised the Ramadan Majlis and the Martyrs Families Affairs Office as a platform that maintains communication between them and the government providing them with all kinds of needed support, and expressed gratitude to the UAE society for its continuous encouragement and care.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.