New Delhi, 14 November 2026: The eighth 'National Festival of Tolerance and Co-existence' in the United Arab Emirates started on Friday at 'Umm Al Emirates Park' in Abu Dhabi. India has been included as a guest nation in this festival. More than 22 countries are participating in this three-day long program through cultural presentations, community activities and various programs organized for families. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the UAE, inaugurated the festival yesterday.
Referring to the ancient relations between India and the UAE, Sheikh Nahyan said that the friendship between the two nations (which has its roots in centuries of trade, travel and cultural exchanges across the Arabian Sea) has now transformed into a strong partnership spanning education, technology and various other fields. He also praised the significant contribution of the Indian community in the development of the UAE, as well as in the social and cultural life there.
India's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Dr. Deepak Mittal had said that giving India the status of 'guest country' shows the special place held by India in the hearts of the people there. He mentioned that this festival embodies the spirit of co-existence through the exchange of music, food, stories and friendship. India's participation underlines this very spirit (i.e. the confluence of different cultures).
This annual festival, held from 13 to 15 November, is organized on the occasion of 'International Day of Tolerance'. Its objective is to promote tolerance, peaceful co-existence, human fraternity and respect for cultural diversity. The theme of this year's festival is 'Growth in Unity'. The festival also commemorates the contributions of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the UAE, to building an inclusive and harmonious society.
As part of India's participation as the guest nation at the festival, a number of cultural programs showcasing the country's diverse artistic traditions are being presented. On Friday, India's event began with a dance performance titled 'The Koli Fisherfolk of Bombay: Guardians of Sustainable Development, Tolerance, and Brotherhood'. In this presentation, the cultural traditions of the fishermen community of Mumbai and their communal life were highlighted.
The 'Bharat Mandap' (India Pavilion) set up at the festival showcases the country's rich heritage through displays of traditional handicrafts, jewelery and paintings. Apart from this, interactive activities like 'Know India' quiz are also being organized which provides an opportunity to the visitors to understand the culture and diversity of India more closely.
Today, the World Malayali Council (Abu Dhabi) will present a glimpse of Kerala culture at the festival. This series of Indian cultural presentations will conclude on Sunday with a special event named 'Incredible India – Cultural Festival', which will showcase the cultural diversity of the country.
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