Like many organisations in Abu Dhabi the team here at Abu Dhabi Week is made up of a variety of different nationalities. In fact we count eight different religions, and we probably missed a couple.

Which got us thinking: celebrating religious festivals is as much about the celebration as about the religion, maybe more so. We can take as much pleasure in Eid or Diwali, and those of us who are not Muslims or Hindus certainly threw ourselves into the observance of those festivals with all the enthusiasm that you get from the general air of fellowship, friendship and family, from the sense of charity and commitment, from the giving and receiving of gifts, and yes from the parties and the feasting.

In a world that sometimes seems prescriptive and intolerant, it’s a real pleasure to find ourselves living right here right now. Most of our Muslim friends are getting right on into the Christmas spirit, with decorations hung, gifts exchanged and special meals planned.

Back home it’s a different story. In many communities, religious and social festivals like Christmas have become the battleground.

What kind of mad world is it where people think they have the right to stop anyone celebrating any religious holiday or cultural gathering that does not offend local traditions or local laws?

We’re happy to say that we live in a community that embraces religious tolerance, where national and cultural festivals are celebrated by everyone.

HH the late Sheikh Zayed championed religious tolerance as a means of maintaining peace and ensuring the continued advancement of his people through education and open dialogue. He was a very wise man. Megan Wynes