It's only the second week of January, but this might be the coolest thing we'll see all year.



Last night, a giant image of Dubai's leader appeared in the sky beside the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah – created by hundreds of drones carrying lights.



It showed His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, before changing into the words 'Thank you Sheikh Mohammed' and a message in Arabic promoting the UAE's Year of Tolerance.



During the spectacular ten-minute display, the drones also appeared to form into the image of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.



2019 is set to highlight the UAE as a global capital for tolerance, instilling the values of co-existence and peace in local, regional and international communities.



The Year of Tolerance focuses on “Five Pillars”, with the first one aiming to deepen the values of tolerance and co-existence among cultures and peoples by concentrating on teaching the youth on the values of tolerance.



As for the second pillar, it will focus on solidifying the UAE as the global capital for tolerance, via a series of projects with dialogue between various cultures and civilisations, while the third will enact multiple cultural programmes and contributions to build tolerant communities.



The fourth pillar will see legislative and policy-oriented objectives that contribute mandating cultural and religious tolerance, and finally, the fifth pillar will promote tolerance and co-existence through media initiatives.



2017 was declared as the “Year of Giving”, while last year was celebrated as the “Year of Zayed”.

For more information, go to government.ae.