Dubai: A new lecture programme will be offered this year in English and Tagalog as part of the annual Ramadan Forum. The programme will be presented from August 21 to August 27.
The Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing organisation said final preparations were under way for the ninth Ramadan Forum, following the programme's popularity last year.
The Ramadan Forum is held in a large tent in Al Twar area of Dubai.
Khalifa Al Falasi, Head of the forum's team, said:
"The forum is very keen on involving all Muslims and non-Muslims living in the UAE in the activities of the forum.
"This year, we will present new religious and educational programmes with a number of scholars from the US, Canada, India and Philippines who will be giving lectures for seven nights — six nights will be in English language and one night will be in Tagalog," Al Falasi said.
Visitors welcomed
Al Falasi said many people had difficulty understanding the Arabic language, adding that the forum had welcomed visitors of various nationalities in previous years.
Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing hoped to increase communication between people of various nationalities to enhance their understanding of Islamic goals and beliefs, by listening to scholars and preachers who spoke their own language.
Al Falasi added that Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing had largely achieved the forum's goals by attracting a large number of Muslims to listen to the Quran and learn about the main principles of Islam.
The committee expected unprecedented participation this year by non-Arabic speaking Muslims, Al Falasi said.
