Abu Dhabi, Dec 15 (IANS/WAM): UAE President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2019 as the "Year of Tolerance", highlighting the country as a global capital for tolerance, through its goals to enhance the role of the country in instilling the values of co-existence and peace in local, regional and international communities.

This is the fifth in theme-based observation of years in the United Arab Emirates, starting with 2015 being marked as the Year of Innovation, 2016 dedicated to reading initiatives, 2017 to giving drives and 2018 to commemorate the 100th birthday of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The President said the "Year of Tolerance" will be an extension of the "Year of Zayed", as it upholds the values of tolerance and coexistence that the late Sheikh Zayed established among the people of the UAE, the agency reported on Saturday.

"We want government policies that further consolidate tolerance and a deep sense of community," UAE Vice-President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said.