Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani and other officials address the media in Dubai. Kamal Kassim / Gulf Today

Imran Mojib, Spcecial Correspondent

The Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai will organise ‘Ramadan Dubai’ to create a tolerant atmosphere, to strengthen tolerance between different communities, and to promote multiculturalism. To achieve this, the department will host a number of forums, interactive programmes, lectures and workshops at various locations across Dubai during the holy month of Ramadan.

Addressing mediapersons in Dubai on Tuesday, Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and the Chairman of the Higher Committee of Ramadan Dubai, said that the ‘Ramadan Dubai’ will be organised every year. The first edition of ‘Ramadan Dubai’ will be held under the theme ‘Compassion and Coexistence.’

He said that the event is aimed at spreading the values of Islam and the spirit of tolerance among citizens and residents of different communities through the promotion of tolerance and peaceful coexistence based on the principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

“Through this initiative, we seek to enrich the social life and establish an effective social network by creating a channel of tolerance between various sects, nationalities, cultures. We wish to provide content that contributes to the awareness of our religion with the hope for the participation of various foreign communities to know more about the values and customs of Islam that is tolerant, moderate, free of violence and extremism, a religion that welcomes everyone and promotes the concept of peaceful coexistence,” he added.

Al Shaibani invited residents and visitors to attend various activities hosted by the department including Ramadan Forum, Ramadan Dubai Majlis, Spirituality of Ramadan, Iftar Dialogue, Ramadan Nights and Squares, The World in Ramadan, The Emirati House is United, The Good Pathways, Journey with Prophet Muhammad, and Names of Allah.

“The holy month of Ramadan is the most suitable time to inculcate the value of tolerance for different religions through peaceful coexistence, respect and acceptance of others, within the boundaries and borders of the tolerant UAE,” he said.

Dawood Mohammed Al Shezawy, Chairman of the Organising Committee of Ramadan Dubai, said that all necessary preparations have been made to achieve the goals of Ramadan Dubai.