Ramadan meeting of religious leaders highlights UAE values

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi hosted a Ramadan gathering and an Iftar banquet at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for leaders of different religions and sects.

The event aimed to highlight the humane values cherished by the Emirati society, such as tolerance, social cohesion, peace and dialogue.

Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD, said: “The Ramadan gathering demonstrates the values and principles that bind us together. As a multicultural society, tolerance is imperative to peaceful coexistence. This is what Abu Dhabi stands for. One of the key pillars of DCD’s social agenda is to sharply focus on national values that embrace the richness of ethnic and religious diversity. This enables us to create a happy society and raise the quality of life in cooperation with our stakeholders.”

Pointing out that Abu Dhabi is home to many nationalities, he said that DCD’s role is to maintain social harmony and cohesion and ensure that everyone in the emirate enjoys a decent standard of living, in line with the organisation’s vision to provide a dignified life for all. The religious leaders praised DCD’s initiative to host the gathering in the holy month that embodies all that is noble and peaceful.

They noted that the department’s keenness to connect with different communities highlights its mission to create a happy and harmonious society, stressing that Ramadan gatherings symbolise Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to the principles of coexistence and tolerance and to build bridges with the global community.

Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, commended the Department of Community Development for organising programmes that reflect Emirati society that underpins the values of coexistence and peace.

He said: “The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre offers a platform for intercultural and interfaith dialogue that supports its mission to build bridges between civilisations. We believe that such direct meetings and close interactions are the cornerstone to developing an understanding about each other and spread the message of unity and brotherhood.