2019 was marked as the ‘Year of Tolerance’ in the UAE. The year highlighted the country as a global capital for tolerance, instilling the values of coexistence and peace in local, regional and international communities. The Year of Tolerance was an extension of the Year of Zayed. And now, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announced UAE’s theme for 2020. The next year will be celebrated as “2020: Towards the next 50”.
What’s It?
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announced UAE’s theme for the year 2020 on Saturday. While this year was all about tolerance and peace in local, regional and international communities, next year has a more futuristic approach. The theme for 2020 was declared as “2020: Towards the next 50”. This is the sixth time, the country has identified a theme.
The UAE ruler took to Twitter, mentioning that the country will observe the 50th year of the Union in 2021. Furthermore, the UAE will also start preparing for the next 50 years in 2020 itself.
Furthermore, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed also mentioned that 2020 will be a turning point in the country’s history. “In the next fifty years, we will prepare all sectors of the country for the post-oil phase. We will build a true knowledge economy based on innovation and creativity”, he said.
What Else?
Meanwhile, marking this year’s theme, the country undertook several tasks and initiatives.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces has granted four acres of land for the construction of a new church.
A brand new church will soon be constructed in the Abu Mureikha area of the capital. Docked right next to the Hindu temple under construction, the Church of South India will serve as a spiritual home to Protestants. The architecture of the church will have Islamic design elements, featuring tall, narrow windows and an arched doorway.
The church will boast earthy tones of beige and white on the exterior, along with an octagon-shaped roof that allows the sun’s rays to stream in.
The construction is estimated to cost AED 9 million, which will be from donations and well-wishers. This will be the second shrine for the Church of South India, with the first one in Fujairah. The foundation stone laying ceremony was held this weekend and the church will open doors to the public in 2021.