These days, it can sometimes seem as if people are more divided than ever. From TV to newspapers to social media, conversations are increasingly polarized.

But this week, when Pope Francis made an historic visit to Abu Dhabi, met with leading Muslim clerics and other faith leaders from around the world, and conducted mass in front of 100,000 Catholics, there is an opportunity to highlight a new, more positive path that will create a more peaceful world.

The first ever visit to the Arabian Peninsula by a sitting Pontiff underscores the power of what can be achieved when people from all backgrounds, nationalities, and faiths come together.

In the UAE, more than 200 nationalities live and worship alongside each other in peace and prosperity—an encouraging affirmation that acceptance and inclusion can indeed prevail over hate and division.

Today, the UAE has a Ministry of Tolerance that implements programs to encourage respect and mutual understanding. And in a similar spirit, the UAE is celebrating 2019 as the “Year of Tolerance.”

These values have been a part of the UAE’s identity since day one. In fact, an American missionary couple operated the UAE’s first medical clinic in Abu Dhabi during the 1960s. And the first Catholic Church opened in the UAE in 1965.

The UAE’s founder and first president, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, laid the groundwork for a society that welcomes all religions and cultures. He knew that coexistence was the path to creating a peaceful and prosperous future for the region and the world.

Sheikh Zayed’s legacy reminds us that tolerance and inclusion remain the way forward.

Today, the UAE has a Ministry of Tolerance that implements programs to encourage respect and mutual understanding. And in a similar spirit, the UAE is celebrating 2019 as the “Year of Tolerance.”

Although there is still a lot of work to do, the UAE has made great progress toward creating a more tolerant, inclusive society.

Although there is still a lot of work to do, the UAE has made great progress toward creating a more tolerant, inclusive society.

In the area of religion, the UAE’s constitution guarantees freedom of worship to all people. Different faith communities have built 40 churches, two Hindu temples, one Sikh temple, and one Buddhist temple. Recent news reports have also highlighted the UAE’s nascent Jewish community, which worships and gathers in Dubai.

Tolerance and inclusion in the UAE extend beyond religion to include an appreciation for cultural diversity.

In 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi opened. The museum’s collection shows the common threads that unite mankind across cultures, geographies, religions, and time. For example, in one exhibit, a Qur’an, Bible, and Torah are displayed alongside each other—underscoring the commonalities between three of the world’s major religions.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi embodies the UAE’s identity as a place where East meets West. A place where people from around the world can come together to learn, exchange ideas, and engage in expression.

By embracing diversity and encouraging peaceful coexistence, the UAE is helping create friendships across different nationalities and faiths, and ultimately building a more positive path forward.

We also understand that creating a truly inclusive society means accepting people regardless of their circumstances or abilities. In March 2019, the UAE will become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to host the Special Olympics. Approximately 7,500 athletes from more than 170 countries will compete in front of half a million spectators.

The Special Olympic Games embody the common visions of Sheikh Zayed and the Special Olympics organization—respect and dignity for all people. Hosting the Games is the latest step that the UAE is taking to create a more inclusive Middle East region.

By embracing diversity and encouraging peaceful coexistence, the UAE is helping create friendships across different nationalities and faiths, and ultimately building a more positive path forward.

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Abdulla Alsaboosi is a Pacific Council member and the Consul General of the United Arab Emirates in Los Angeles.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Pacific Council.