The gesture by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to grant golden residency to imams of mosques, preachers and muezzins who have completed 20 years of work, in addition to a financial bonus, is heartening to say the least.

The kind gesture, which came ahead of Eid Al Fitr, is in appreciation of their efforts in introducing the teachings of Islam and spreading the values of tolerance, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, thanked the imams of mosques, preachers and muezzins, stressing that their pivotal role in society was highly appreciated and respected.

This goes to show that the spirit of giving is very much embedded in the nature of the leadership.

It also spotlights the humane values of Emirati society, which also believes in tolerance and harmonious co-existence.

This was clearly evident in the Ramadan gathering and Iftar banquet hosted by the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for leaders of different religions and sects. The event aimed to highlight the humane values cherished by the Emirati society, such as social cohesion, peace and dialogue. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD, said: “The Ramadan gathering demonstrates the values and principles that bind us together. As a multicultural society, tolerance is imperative to peaceful coexistence. This is what Abu Dhabi stands for. One of the key pillars of DCD’s social agenda is to sharply focus on national values that embrace the richness of ethnic and religious diversity. This enables us to create a happy society and raise the quality of life in cooperation with our stakeholders.”

Pointing out that Abu Dhabi is home to many nationalities, he said that DCD’s role is to maintain social harmony and cohesion and ensure that everyone in the emirate enjoys a decent standard of living, in line with the organisation’s vision to provide a dignified life for all.

The religious leaders praised DCD’s initiative to host the gathering in the holy month that embodies all that is noble and peaceful. They noted that the department’s keenness to connect with different communities highlights its mission to create a happy and harmonious society, stressing that Ramadan gatherings symbolise Abu Dhabi’s strong commitment to the principles of coexistence and tolerance and to build bridges with the global community.

Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, commended the Department of Community Development for organising programmes that reflect Emirati society that underpins the values of coexistence and peace. He said: “The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre offers a platform for intercultural and interfaith dialogue that supports its mission to build bridges between civilisations. We believe that such direct meetings and close interactions are the cornerstone to developing an understanding about each other and spread the message of unity and brotherhood.

Eid is a time for bonding, bonhomie and spreading love and affection all around. It also emphasises communal accord and peace, portraying the virtues of forgiveness and compassion. It is not just the believers who celebrated the onset of the festival, but even non-Muslims cherish the importance of the occasion.

Celebrating in the UAE in particular gives it an extra-special touch, as it harbours over 200 nationalities who add to the gaiety. Indeed, many expatriates would not mind staying back in the irresistible Emirates to soak in the Eid celebrations. The nation provides a safe and secure environment for its residents who flock to the country to enhance their style of living.

It is not just their living that gets a boost, but it enhances their mood as well.