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The UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan has emphasized the deep historical bonds between the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait during an open meeting with youth from both nations at the Zayed National Museum. The eight-day event, organized by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence and Watan Fund, celebrates the UAE-Kuwait relations and aims to strengthen cooperation between young people from the two Gulf nations.
Sheikh Nahyan expressed profound appreciation for the leadership of both countries, extending greetings to Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The minister praised their dedication to serving their nations and fostering brotherly relations, according to official statements from the ministry.
Strengthening UAE-Kuwait Relations Through Youth Engagement
The gathering brought together Emirati and Kuwaiti youth participating in various initiatives designed to celebrate bilateral ties. Minister Sheikh Nahyan welcomed the Kuwaiti delegation to their “second home,” expressing hope for a fruitful experience that reflects their determination and enthusiasm for future collaboration.
Additionally, the event was attended by Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, Jamal Mohamed Al Ghunaim, Kuwait’s Ambassador to the UAE, and Afra Al Sabri, Director General of the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence. The presence of senior officials from both nations underscored the importance of youth engagement in strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties.
Four Pillars of Shared Vision
Sheikh Nahyan outlined four fundamental principles guiding the UAE-Kuwait relations framework. The first principle centers on loyalty to faith, family, nation, and the Arab and Islamic world as a path toward achieving peaceful coexistence and prosperity.
The second principle involves patriotism and national pride, which encompasses awareness, wisdom, responsibility, and commitment to continuous learning. Meanwhile, the third principle focuses on positive communication with others, developing tolerance values, respecting diverse cultures, and working toward social justice.
However, the fourth principle emphasizes active contribution to comprehensive and sustainable development at national, regional, and global levels. These principles form the foundation for youth cooperation initiatives between the two nations.
Programs and Expected Outcomes
The eight-day program includes the Knights of Tolerance initiative, Identity Pioneers program, and youth retreat activities. Participants engage in dozens of meetings, dialogues, and field visits to national landmarks across the UAE, providing practical opportunities for cultural exchange and relationship building.
In contrast to traditional diplomatic exchanges, this youth-focused approach aims to create lasting partnerships. Sheikh Nahyan expressed hope that the event would result in establishing an Emirati-Kuwaiti Brotherhood Committee, implementing joint youth projects, creating a Tolerance Club in Kuwait, and issuing the Abu Dhabi Declaration for Youth Brotherhood.
Kuwait’s Cultural and Intellectual Legacy
The minister described Kuwait as a country of intellectual and cultural enlightenment, characterized by tolerance, coexistence, and authentic belonging to its Gulf, Arab, Islamic, and global context. According to Sheikh Nahyan, the UAE holds special appreciation for Kuwait, its leadership, and its people, rooted in dignity, generosity, and commitment to collective welfare.
Dr. Salem Matroud Al Shammari, head of the Kuwaiti youth delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended since their arrival. He praised the quality of programs as inspiring and remarkable, noting their contribution to enhancing cooperation and experience exchange among Gulf youth.
Digital Age Opportunities
Sheikh Nahyan highlighted that the era of technology and information provides unprecedented opportunities for learning, interaction, and creative communication. He encouraged youth to embrace these tools for spreading peace, tolerance, and coexistence values among peoples worldwide.
Furthermore, the minister stressed the importance of young people serving as role models in addressing community issues and participating wisely in overcoming challenges. This approach builds confidence in oneself, the nation, and loyalty to leadership and national objectives.
The minister concluded by thanking supporting entities including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kuwait’s Embassy in the UAE, the Arab Youth Center, Kuwait University, youth centers in Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi Media Network. The initiative represents a successful model for joint youth work between the two Gulf nations, with participants expected to continue developing friendships and collaborative projects beyond the eight-day program, though specific timelines for follow-up initiatives have not been announced.
