The UAE’s (In)tolerance Conundrum
Actors, Beneficiaries, and the Prospect for Equity
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12923804 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Branislav Radeljić (0000-0002-0497-3470, Universidad Nebrija, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 143-168 |
| Publication date | 2025-06-04 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Contemporary Arab Affairs (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1755-0920 • E-ISSN: 1755-0912 |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1163/17550920-bja00073 |
| OpenAlex | W4411111848 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 38 |
This paper examines the UAE ’s tolerance agenda, scrutinizing the gap between official narratives and the on-ground realities, particularly in the context of the UAE Centennial 2071, which envisions a “tolerant, cohesive, and ethical society.” Since this goal remains challenging, the research also highlights the difference between the UAE ’s widely promoted concept of tolerance and the more nuanced concept of toleration, emphasizing the need for critical evaluation of top-down policy instruments in an inherently authoritarian context. The UAE ’s emphasis on tolerance, as a matter of security and state stability but also as a foreign policy tool and way of attracting investment, is juxtaposed with the persistent citizen–foreigner gap and instances of discrimination, which undermine the essence of tolerance. The analysis suggests that true tolerance extends beyond political and legal measures to human commitment to inclusivity and equity. While it is easy to dismiss the UAE ’s tolerance narrative as superficial, it is also vital to debate the state’s efforts and institutional capacities to foster genuine tolerance. Ultimately, the study prompts some key inquiries that could assist future policymaking, by stressing the importance of periodic reviews and accountability to ensure that the UAE ’s tolerance policies result in positive change
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| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |