RIYADH — About 82.2 percent of Saudis are tolerant toward those who disagree with them on religious, social, cultural, economic, and political issues. This was revealed in a study carried out by the King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, which falls on Nov. 16 every year. The center, represented by its Department of Studies and Research, carries out studies and research on various issues. The center managed to complete the first study on tolerance of its kind in the region that showed that an overwhelming majority of Saudi citizens are tolerant in their dealings with all others, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The survey, which was conducted by the center on the basis of scientific research and field studies, aims to identify the level of tolerance in the Kingdom and to promote and spread its values among citizens. The index also clearly reflects the interest that the Kingdom attaches to issues affecting tolerance, brotherhood, and coexistence. In preparing the index, the center adopted the best foundations, standards, and practical approaches after having access to the best international practices and experiences, in a way that contributes to enhancing the values of tolerance, dialogue, coexistence, and protecting the fabric of the society. On the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, the center is organizing every year many meetings, forums, programs, and seminars. It participated in the activities of the World Tolerance Summit held in Dubai in November 2019, which was aimed to deliver an international platform for key decision-makers from within the United Arab Emirates and outside to help shape policy on crucial global issues. This was the first global event of its kind that addressed issues of tolerance, peace and equality among people in all walks of life, regardless of the difference in political views and cultural and religious backgrounds. The center also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai-based International Institute for Tolerance. The center aims to strengthen national unity and protect the fabric of Saudi society by consolidating the values of diversity, coexistence, and national cohesion. It does so by establishing a culture of dialogue and disseminating it among all members of society to achieve the public interest and maintain national unity. The center reinforces the principle of tolerance through its various activities, initiatives, programs, and meetings, in order to reach a coexistent, tolerant, and cohesive society. Tolerance is usually one of the great human values that it has adopted since its establishment, as one of the institutions of the society concerned to consolidate and strengthen this moral value.
