OIC fest highlights cultural diversity

The 2nd Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Festival, held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, will be a four-day celebration of Islam and a platform for Muslim countries from around the world to strengthen collaboration and form new, lasting bonds, say event organisers, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).

During the official launch press conference, festival representatives outlined how the four-day event, which will run from 24-27 April at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), serves as a vehicle to celebrate the underlying positivity of Islam and demonstrate the work of the Organisation in cultivating cultural diversity through essential elements such as arts and music. It will also shine a light on how Muslims worldwide can preserve their religious  principles while adapting to different cultures.

 The festival will unite nations from across the Muslim world, providing a tailored platform to display their cultures and traditions in line with Islam and its foundations of tolerance, unity and harmony. Organisers  stressed how the festival, which runs under the theme ‘One Nation Unified by Benevolent Cooperation, Justice & Tolerance’, will enable participating countries and the OIC delegation to meet and discuss future collaboration and partnerships to benefit the 1.5 billion Muslims they serve under the umbrella of the  Organisation.

 “The festival is a gateway for Muslims around the world to gain invaluable insight into the diversity of their faith through the range of different cultures and traditions of nations within our organisation while remaining true to the religious values of Islam. In addition, it serves as a crucial educative and informative platform for non-Muslims to learn about our faith,” said Youssef Aldobeay, Adviser of H.E the Secretary General for Political Affairs, Elected Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and OIC General Secretariat.

“Furthermore, the four days will give participating countries a great opportunity to unite and engage in inter-faith, cross-country dialogue on ways in which they can collaborate and form new bonds for the benefit of their nations, their people and the organisation.”

Throughout the four days, the festival, which coincides with the UAE ‘Year of Tolerance’, will address a range of topics, including tolerance as a foundation in Islam, the role of youth in spreading the culture of tolerance, and the importance of tolerance and moderation in worship.