Dubai: The iconic Al Wasl Plaza at Expo City Dubai transformed into a massive interfaith iftar tent on Sunday evening, demonstrating the spirit of religious tolerance and communal harmony in Dubai.
Hundreds of people of multiple faiths including heads of various religions attended the special iftar - the sunset meal that ends the day’s fast - along with Muslim scholars and Emirati officials. Also among the attendees were senior officials from various entities and representatives of the consular and diplomatic bodies in the country.
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) organised the second edition of ‘Dubai Iftar’ as part of the ‘Ramadan Dubai’ initiative under the slogan ‘Ramadan Dubai With Those We Love’.
The event started with the firing of the traditional Ramadan cannons by Dubai Police in front of the Al Wasl Dome, the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface that became a legacy structure of Expo 2020 Dubai.
As people in their religious attire joined for the iftar under the dome that displayed visuals of white doves representing peace and harmony, the event showcased how Dubai connects the communities from East to West while celebrating the spirit of the Islamic holy month.
‘Spirit of sharing’
Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, IACAD director-general, said: “This is our second interfaith iftar event. Last year we decided to hold it on the second Sunday of every Ramadan. It was held in Meydan last year and this time we have chosen the landmark location of Al Wasl Plaza. We are extremely happy to host all the heads of various religions and people of multiple faiths and celebrate this holy month and the spirit of giving and sharing.”
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Retired Major General Ahmed Al Mansouri, consultant with IACAD, said more than 1,000 people attended the event which consolidated Dubai’s model of coexistence, cohesion and acceptance of the other.
Fr. Marcos Estefanous of Coptic Orthodox Church said: “It’s a great honour and a blessing for us be here together with our brothers and sisters, the Muslims. We live in the same country and the city. We live in peace and very high levels of tolerance. They are giving us all the love in a practical way ... and from the heart and this is coming from the legacy of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He was the one who started to show how to accept the others how to love others and the leadership of the UAE is continuing to show his message to the world. This iftar is a message for the entire world, how to live with others and how to accept them unconditionally.“
Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, said: “We are blessed to be in Dubai, especially in Ramadan, the month of giving. At Gurudwara, we have been hosting similar interfaith iftar for many years. It is a great thing that IACAD is hosting it in such a grand way, bringing so many people together. We are happy to support this initiative also.”
Suzane Frim, a Lebanese Christian expat, said: “On this earth, we are all the same and we have to accept each other and we need all cultures, religions and traditions. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city and it is open to the entire world. That is what makes Dubai different. Everyone enjoys Dubai in their own ways with religious and cultural freedom. We need such events to show the camaraderie here to the world.”
Message for generations
Rabbi Levi Duchman, UAE Rabbi of Jewish Community, said: “Dubai is home to over 200 nationalities and we have the opportunity to celebrate events like this evening’s. It is something really important for us the Jewish community to participate in these events to gather together, join in each other as festivals, each other’s holidays. And this really brings a positive outlook, not only to us sitting around the tables, but to our children and to future generations and for the region. When they see this, they know respect and coexistence exists and is alive here in the city of Dubai.“
Suresh Galani, member of the committee managing the Hindu Temple Dubai, said: “It is a special experience for us to participate in this interfaith iftar under the magnificent dome of Al Wasl Plaza. More than 1 million strong Hindu community members are living happily and growing together with all other community members here. We are grateful to the authorities and people here for all the support. This iftar speaks volumes about the cohesive community in Dubai.”
A Ramadan-themed ‘Latifa and Rashid Show’, titled ‘The Quest to Find the Moon’ was also screened on the dome.
