Abu dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, led the 'Tolerance Walk to Mars' with participation from 3,000 people representing all resident communities in the UAE. The event, part of the National Festival of Tolerance, took place on its third day at Umm Al Emarat Park, organized by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence in collaboration with the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Nahyan was joined by Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, the festival's 'Guest of Honour', and Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Rugby Federation. The event also saw the participation of Afra Al Sabri, Director-General of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, along with several officials, cultural figures, ambassadors, people of determination, and senior citizens.
On the sidelines of the march, Sheikh Nahyan planted a tree from China, while Zhang Yiming planted a Ghaf tree in the Garden of Tolerance, observed by Carolin Konther L³pez, Ambassador of Paraguay to the UAE. The event also featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the Gardens of Tolerance by Sheikh Nahyan and the Chinese Ambassador to mark the 10th anniversary of Umm Al Emarat Park.
Sheikh Nahyan emphasized that the event demonstrates a collective commitment to promoting tolerance and acceptance across society. He expressed delight at the diverse participation, which he described as a reflection of a shared aspiration to foster values of peaceful coexistence, human fraternity, and cooperation.
He commended the involvement of the Abu Dhabi 2026 Masters Games in promoting health through sports and highlighted the inclusive nature of the initiative, which welcomed all segments of the UAE community. Sheikh Nahyan asserted that the broad societal involvement exemplifies the UAE's practice of tolerance, inspired by the founding principles of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.