GIIS Abu Dhabi celebrated a significant milestone this year with the 10th edition of Al Tasamuh, its flagship inter-school festival dedicated to peace, tolerance and universal human values. What began a decade ago as the International Day of Non-Violence (IDNV) has now grown into one of the UAE’s most anticipated student events, bringing together hundreds of participants from across the nation each year.

Launched in October 2016 under the Mahatma Gandhi Centre for Universal Values (MGCUV), the event was inspired by the principles of non-violence and harmony. It commenced with competitions in dance, music, art and language, and quickly evolved into a dynamic platform for students to express their talents while embracing shared values of peace and unity.

In 2017, the event was renamed Al Tasamuh, meaning “tolerance”, to align with the vision and ethos of the UAE. Over the years, the festival expanded its categories to include Beyond the Voice (singing), Scintillating Feet (dance), Tryst With Colours (art), Linguistic Luminary (drama, poetry and elocution), and Creative-I, a STEAM-based innovation segment.

Today, Al Tasamuh attracts more than 700 students annually across Junior, Senior and Super Senior categories, with participants representing schools from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain and Ajman. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the event continued without interruption, transitioning to a fully virtual format in 2020 and 2021 and drawing participants from Singapore, Malaysia, India, Japan and the UAE.

In recent years, the festival has aligned closely with national priorities, embracing the UAE’s Year of Sustainability in 2023 and 2024. A special sustainability segment encouraged students to address environmental challenges through thoughtful, future-focused projects. A new addition in 2024, Nur ul-Huda, highlighted the UAE’s National Identity Mark (NIM), further strengthening the festival’s connection to culture, values and citizenship.

This year’s 10th-anniversary edition was one of the largest to date, featuring over 800 students and more than 200 staff members. Events were held across multiple areas of the campus, with simultaneous competitions creating a vibrant and celebratory atmosphere. The steady participation of 15–16 schools each year reaching a high of 23 during the pandemic demonstrates Al Tasamuh’s enduring relevance and impact.

As the festival concludes a decade, GIIS Abu Dhabi reaffirms its commitment to promoting global citizenship, compassion and unity. Rooted in the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and the founding values of the UAE, Al Tasamuh continues to empower students to become thoughtful, responsible and empathetic members of society.