Somaiya Saad, Staff Reporter

In an initiative, which is the first of its kind in the country and the GCC, Dubai held a Ramadan Iftar convening all communities, sects and religions in one place to share Iftar at the “Meydan Hotel” in Dubai.

The event, which comes within the “Dubai Ramadan 2022” initiative, was organised by the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai, to consolidate the principle of moderation, wisdom and tolerance, as well as rejecting racism, under the umbrella of human fraternity.

The Iftar banquet was attended by the directors of the Sikh, Bohra, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish and Coptic sects in the UAE.

Welcomed the guests, Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, Director of the IACAD, who conveyed to them the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

People gather around a table for the interfaith iftar.

“We meet with you all in the UAE, the land of tolerance, to send a message of peace from the heart to the entire world,” Al Shaibani said.

For their parts, the attendees commended the initiative, affirming that everyone now needs peace, understanding, tolerance and civilized communication, more than ever, especially in the holy month of Ramadan.

They also expressed their thanks for this initiative, which confirms Dubai's commitment to the values of peaceful coexistence in an atmosphere of friendliness and understanding.

Communities of multiple religions and sects from 200 different nationalities living side by side in harmony and safety in the country attended the event.