Watch: Dubai Iftar brings together residents of different faiths at Expo City Dubai

Dubai: The Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA) hosted the ‘Dubai Iftar,’ on Sunday at Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City, bringing together individuals from diverse cultures and religious backgrounds in an atmosphere that demonstrated unity and the spirit of Ramadan.

The fourth edition of the event united 1,000 individuals from various religions, backgrounds, communities, clubs, and civil organisations under the legacy dome of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Addressing the attendees, including religious heads, diplomats, community leaders, and other residents, Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of CDA, said the event embodies the spirit of tolerance and compassion that defines the holy month and is aligned with the objectives of the ‘Year of the Community,’ a national vision aimed at fostering solidarity and cohesion across different segments of society.

Pointing out its role in strengthening social bonds and fostering harmony among all community members, she said: “Mutual respect among individuals, regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds, is one of the core values that define our society. Fasting is an opportunity to elevate the human spirit, enhance solidarity, and cultivate empathy for others. Ramadan serves as a yearly reminder of our collective responsibility to collaborate in building a more united and thriving community.”

Freedom of religious practice

Pointing out that the event underscored the values of coexistence and freedom of religious practice, which remain fundamental to the UAE’s social fabric, she added: “The Dubai Iftar brings together representatives of various faiths and cultures, serving as a meaningful reminder that we all share a common goal — to safeguard and support the continuous development of our society. Social progress is not solely the responsibility of governments or institutions; it is a collective mission that requires the active participation of every individual, whether through ideas, volunteer work, charitable initiatives, or supporting programs that address community needs.”

The event witnessed the participation of representatives from government and private entities, along with attendees from CDA-licensed social clubs, religious communities, and diverse members of society. Officials reiterated that the ‘Dubai Iftar’ stands as one of the most significant Ramadan initiatives celebrating Dubai’s cultural diversity. They said it fosters interpersonal connections and reinforces the values of generosity and cooperation, aligning with the CDA’s vision of building a more integrated and harmonious society.

Embracing all faiths

Fr Barnaba Messi, a priest at the Greek Orthodox Church in Dubai, and Fr James Robert, a priest at Christ Church Jebel Ali, spoke about how Dubai has embraced people of all faiths as a family of humanity, which is key to the emirate’s strength.

Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Jebel Ali, said: “We are all blessed to be in the UAE because this country has given us a lot of security, safety, and multiculturalism. We are really blessed to be here because we can practice our own religion.”

Pointing out that the UAE is the only country with a Ministry of Tolerance, he added: “We are grateful to the Rulers and the community here. We are all here today, enjoying iftar together, and this is only showing brotherhood and support for each other, support for our families.”

Echoing his words, N Mohan, general manager of The Hindu Temple, Dubai, said the ever-growing Hindu community, among the four-million-strong Indian expat community, is blessed to be in the UAE. “If we really want to see the entire world being together as one family, which we call Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, we can see it here in the UAE. Nowhere else in the world can we see people of more than 200 nationalities following different practices.”

Ann Kristin Karslen, general manager of the Norwegian Seamen’s Centre Dubai, recounted the establishment of the centre in the 1970s and praised the cultural and religious integration in Dubai, which the community finds enriching and respectful.

‘Dubai did not abandon anybody’

Representing one million Filipino expats, Ericson Reyes, president of the Filipino Social Club, recalled how he and several other community members received support when faced with personal challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. “But Dubai did not abandon me. Nor did it abandon any of its residents … It was during that time that I truly understood the power of community, compassion, and resilience, and that is when I realised Dubai is home.”

Muneer Pandiyala, media coordinator of Dubai Markaz, said the Dubai Iftar is a classic example of the tolerance and harmony envisioned by the UAE leaders.

Meanwhile, Fr Marcos Estefanou, a priest at the Coptic Orthodox Church in Oud Metha, highlighted the significance of the event as a symbol of acceptance and love. “Dubai is a model for the world, showing how one land can embrace 200 nationalities with different backgrounds, living peacefully as one family,” he added.