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Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in the National Festival of Tolerance & Coexistence, held from November 14 to 16, 2025, at Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The festival is an annual event focused on promoting global unity and respect among different communities.
Elder David A. Bednar, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and his wife Susan attended the opening night ceremony. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence for the UAE, inaugurated the event. Elder Bednar was welcomed by Sheikh Nahyan and joined him for the ceremony before visiting the Church's booth.
“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.”
Church volunteers from Abu Dhabi operated an exhibit titled “The Global Family Tree: Branching Out in Love.” Approximately 6,700 visitors stopped by the booth over three days. Visitors were invited to sign heart-shaped cutouts representing unity within humanity.
Keith Woodhouse noted his appreciation for young people participating in signing hearts as symbols of 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 reflected on her experience with children at the booth: “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 described her interactions during volunteering as reminders that compassion can connect people from different backgrounds. “Those small exchanges show how understanding, compassion and finding a common ground can bring people together in simple yet profound ways.”
Devyn Cox spoke about forming friendships while volunteering: “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 volunteered alongside teenagers at the festival: “No matter where we come from, we are all brothers and sisters. I feel that’s the most important thing.”
The Church was among several faith-based organizations supporting this year’s festival along with groups such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Abrahamic Family House and Muslim Council of Elders.
On November 16—the third day—Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella and Elder Roland J. Bäck from The Church’s Middle East/Africa North Presidency joined government leaders in a Tolerance Walk followed by planting a tree symbolizing peaceful commitment between faiths.
“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 coincides annually with International Day for Tolerance (November 16) featuring interactive exhibits—including more than 50 displays—workshops, performances by artists from around the world plus food offerings representative of various cultures.
Interfaith dialogue continues as an important focus for The Church globally; earlier this year Elder Bednar served as keynote speaker at Abu Dhabi’s Second International Dialogue of Civilizations & Tolerance Conference (IDCT), where he accepted a Tolerance Award on behalf of The Church.
