Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints joined with government and community leaders, international scholars and creators to support global unity at the National Festival of Tolerance & Coexistence in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The annual festival, in its seventh edition, took place November 14–16, 2025, at Umm Al Emarat Park. Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Susan, attended the opening night, inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the UAE.
Elder Bednar was warmly greeted by His Excellency and joined him for the opening ceremony. Afterward, they visited at the Church booth, which operated throughout the festival.
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“I love coming to the UAE,” said Elder Bednar. “For many years, I’ve observed how the atmosphere of respect and coexistence is being nurtured here. It’s a great opportunity to be part of this opening ceremony — and a joy to see the service of our members, who shared their light with all the festival attendees.”
During the three-day event, Church volunteers from Abu Dhabi interacted with festivalgoers at an exhibit titled “The Global Family Tree: Branching Out in Love.” Around 6,700 booth visitors were invited to sign a heart-shaped cutout to hang from a tree, symbolizing the shared connection of the human family.
Keith Woodhouse was impressed by the number of people, especially young people, who lined up to sign their names on a heart representing love and tolerance.
“As I said their name and commented on it, there was a glow and smile on their face, which, for a moment, allowed our souls to unite,” he said. “As we serve others, it is good to remember that everyone has a name and is ministered to one by one.”
Karla Sharp said interacting with children was her favorite part about volunteering.
“It was so special to see how happy the parents were to see time and attention given to their children as they decorated hearts to hang on the tree. Moms and dads in every culture feel the same about their children and are at peace when we treasure them.”
Gemma Gutierrez said each encounter, no matter how short, felt like a gentle reminder of God’s love for all people. “Those small exchanges show how understanding, compassion and finding a common ground can bring people together in simple yet profound ways.”
Devyn Cox and her husband, Corden, made new friends from China while volunteering at the exhibit. The friends invited the couple to their booth and gave them small gifts.
“We didn’t just get to interact with people; we built actual friendships,” she said. “God knows each of the names placed on that tree, just as He knows each one of our names.”
Jiliane Mendoza, who served with a group of teens, said the tolerance festival represents unity among people of all nationalities and ethnicities. “No matter where we come from, we are all brothers and sisters. I feel that’s the most important thing.”
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| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The Church was one of several faith-based organizations supporting the festival. Other faith-based booths represented the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, the Abrahamic Family House and the Muslim Council of Elders.
On day three of the festival, Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella and Elder Roland J. Bäck of the Middle East/Africa North Presidency of the Church participated in the Tolerance Walk and the tree-planting ceremony afterward, alongside other government, interfaith and community leaders.
“Walking side by side with our friends of different faiths is a reminder to all of us that tolerance is not just an idea — it is something we live and practice together,” said Elder Parrella. “Planting the tree today symbolizes our mutual commitment to create peace and understanding for our children.”
The National Festival of Tolerance & Coexistence recognizes the International Day for Tolerance each year on November 16. There were 50 exhibits with interactive displays, artists, workshops and educational experiences this year. Festivalgoers also enjoyed international food, crafts, musical performances, poetry, dance and other performing arts.
Interfaith and intercultural dialogue remain an important priority for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Bednar was also one of the keynote speakers at the Second International Dialogue of Civilizations & Tolerance Conference (IDCT) on February 19 in Abu Dhabi, where he also received a Tolerance Award on behalf of the Church.