Today's Edition
Mudhi Alobthani (Abu Dhabi)
Experts and thought leaders explored the UAE’s longstanding commitment to peacebuilding as they gathered for the first session of the 20th Aletihad Forum, held on Tuesday at the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) in Abu Dhabi.
Titled “Peace as the Core of the UAE’s Development Policy”, the session highlighted how the country’s unique combination of strategic vision, institutional governance, and moral values has enabled it to become a leading peacebuilder in the region.
Each speaker shared valuable insights into the philosophy, values, and practical implementation of peace, illustrating the multifaceted approach that has defined the UAE’s domestic and international efforts.
Prof. Radwan El Sayed, Dean of the Graduate Studies and Scientific Research College at the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, emphasised the visionary leadership of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He highlighted how Sheikh Zayed viewed geopolitical shifts — such as the British withdrawal from East of Suez — not as challenges but as opportunities to build a united and advanced society.
He recalled that the UAE’s early efforts to foster regional peace, including initiatives in Lebanon during its civil conflict, reflected a bold commitment to stability and humanitarian values.
According to Prof. El Sayed, the UAE’s approach was not only about diplomacy but also about institutionalising peace through development and cooperation, enabling the country to confront threats of division and establish long-term stability. He further emphasised the UAE’s proactive engagement in the Arab League, the United Nations, and international humanitarian initiatives, demonstrating the country’s ability to integrate moral leadership with concrete action.
Going Beyond Politics and Law
Dr Abdallah Seyid Ould Bah, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Nouakchott, spoke on the values of peace — noting that peace is rooted in principles that go beyond politics and law. He emphasised that the UAE has successfully combined moral and cultural values with modern governance, creating a system where tolerance, human fraternity, and justice form the foundation of its policies.
Peace, in this context, is not simply the absence of conflict, but a philosophical and institutional framework that guides both individual and collective behaviour, he said.
He highlighted the UAE’s anti-discrimination and hate speech law as a pioneering example of how legislation can safeguard religious freedom, protect communities, and foster coexistence, reflecting the country’s broader vision of social harmony and resilience.
Fostering Harmony
Abdullah bin Bijad Al-Otaibi, Saudi writer and researcher, reflected on the UAE’s long-term vision for advancing civilisation through peace. Sharing personal experiences since moving to the UAE in 2005, Al-Otaibi praised the country for transforming visionary ideas into tangible achievements over two decades. He emphasised that true development and social progress are impossible without peace, noting that conflicts and extremist ideologies prevent societies from advancing.
Drawing on Islamic heritage, Al-Otaibi described peace as a comprehensive and multi-dimensional concept, encompassing harmony within the self, the community, and the broader world. He stressed that peace provides the conditions for people to thrive intellectually, socially, and economically, forming the foundation for sustainable civilisation.
A Moral Imperative and a Practical Necessity
Kuwaiti writer and academic Dr Issa Al Omairi presented peace as the future of the world, emphasising that it is both a moral imperative and a practical necessity. He noted that history has repeatedly shown that wars, no matter how long, fail to deliver true victories and instead leave lasting human and material losses.
Dr Al Omairi highlighted the UAE as a global model of dialogue, tolerance, and cultural diversity, citing its success in mediating international conflicts -— including the prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine — as a key example.
He praised the country’s balanced diplomacy, which has not only bridged divides between nations but also inspired hope and stability for families worldwide.
Dr Al Omairi also emphasised the UAE’s domestic diversity, noting that the country is home to over 200 nationalities living in harmony - an example of how cultural plurality can strengthen peace rather than undermine it.
Overall, the session highlighted the UAE’s comprehensive approach to peace, blending strategic foresight, institutional integrity, moral and cultural foundations, and global engagement.
As global challenges grow increasingly complex, insights from this session reaffirmed that the UAE’s model — anchored in values, vision, and a proactive approach — offers important lessons for the international community. By integrating moral principles with effective governance and development initiatives, the country has created a society where peace is not just a principle but a lived reality, serving as the foundation for stability, prosperity, and sustainable progress.
