Abu Dhabi-based university to offer world's first degree in tolerance

The world's first degree in tolerance and coexistence studies has been launched by the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities (MBZUH) in Abu Dhabi.

The three-year bachelor's programme aims to equip students with a high-level of academic knowledge and practical skills that enable them to spread a culture of tolerance and coexistence.

It includes courses that promote these values, inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, as well as covering the role of media in encouraging a cohesive society, comparative religion and Islam.

The programme will enrol its first students from September 2021.

"MBZUH’s bachelor degree is the first higher education programme in the world that develops students’ understanding and respect for different cultures, civilisations and religions, so they can act as ambassadors and build bridges of communication between cultures and civilizations," said Dr. Khaled Salem Al Dhaheri, the university's Chancellor.

Graduates will gain a variety of employment opportunities, and the course will provide additional skills for careers in social work, events, communications, counselling, religious affairs coordination, the police force as well as some government and non-government organisation roles.

The new bachelor’s degree was adopted at the first meeting of the MBZUH Board of Trustees in January, with the aim of establishing Abu Dhabi as the capital of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and civilized dialogue.

It follows the United Nations’ declaration of February 4 to be International Day of Human Fraternity, in recognition of the historic meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi on this date in 2019. 

MBZUH, launched in November 2020, is a first-of-its-kind higher education institution, offering programmes in social studies, humanities and philosophy for bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

The Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities has launched the world’s first Bachelor of Tolerance and Coexistence, with courses starting in September 2021. pic.twitter.com/HNNb94bkf2

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 11, 2021