H.E. Dr. Yousif Al-Serkal: Our values of tolerance and acceptance of other cultures are at the core of our national identity

His Excellency Dr. Yousif Mohammed Al-Serkal, Director General of Emirates Health Services (EHS), asserted the importance of promoting values of tolerance in societies, underlining the role they play in driving sustainable development. “The UAE has established itself as a world capital for tolerance – a noble value inspired by its religion and the customs of its forefathers, reinforced by its Founding Father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and upheld to this day by its wise leadership,” Dr. Al-Serkal said. “Tolerance is now a core part of our national identity and a pillar of our national practices, making cultural diversity a distinguishing feature of the UAE.”

Speaking on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, celebrated on 16 November every year, H.E. added: “The UAE’s wise leadership has followed in the footsteps of its Founding Fathers, cementing its commitment to tolerance as a social necessity that strengthens the fabric of our community, and promotes cohesion among all segments of Emirati society, as well as visitors to the country.”

“The Emirates has provided the community with all the resources and capabilities needed to enhance quality of life; most notably, it established an integrated health system that provides services to everyone without exception, as a human right and a core tenet of tolerance and human values,” H.E. Al-Serkal continued. “This came as a result of the UAE’s commitment to preserving human dignity and ensuring respect for cultural diversity, which is protected by laws and legislations that guarantee the rights of all members of society and protect their access to services without discrimination.”