The UAE is ranked first regionally and third globally in the Tolerance Index of the 2016 Yearbook issued by the International Institute for Management Development, IMD, in Switzerland, on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, which falls on 16th November each year.

Speaking on the occasion, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Chairperson of the Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority, said, "The UAE's performance in the Tolerance Index reflects the extent of tolerance, understanding and openness enjoyed by all who live in the UAE, as more than 200 nationalities live in the country in acceptance and understanding."

She added, "The UAE has long played a leading and a global role in the fields of the cultures and religious dialogue without discrimination as well as the regional and international role played by the state in the renunciation of violence, extremism, hatred, and contempt of others."

Al Hashemi stressed that the country's laws and legislation provide equality among members of society and the criminalisation of discrimination between individuals or groups on the basis of religion, sect, race, colour or origin.

She congratulated the UAE leadership and people on the occasion.