DUBAI: The Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department is organizing the Ramadan Dubai under the theme “Compassion and Coexistence” for the duration of the Holy Month of Ramadan. The event will hold a diverse range of activities, exhibitions as well as technical, cultural and spiritual workshops along with recreational activities to spread the values of Islam and the spirit of tolerance among residents of different communities and within the principles of the Holy Quran and Sunnah.
Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-General of the Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Departments and the Chairman of the Higher Committee of Ramadan Dubai, said, “The department, as the leading Islamic charity institution in Dubai, seeks to strengthen the role of the Islamic religion in the promotion of the practice of tolerance. There is no better occasion than the Holy Month of Ramadan to reflect the highest standards of peaceful coexistence, respect and acceptance of others in the tolerant land of the United Arab Emirates.”
He added, “The department is keen to provide scientific and experienced operational staff, and the required tools to renew awareness programs and methods which will be implemented during Ramadan Dubai. The quality of service rendered, which is in accordance with international best practices, also include the efforts of many nationalities living in the UAE and the support of both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Leading Ramadan Dubai’s agenda is the Ramadan Dubai Majlis which will represent the revival of old traditions through organizing dialogue sessions with the youth. This revival of tradition is a fresh change from the current advancement in digital communication wherein face to face communication transpires creating a special impact on the hearts of participants.
Among the topics of Ramadan Dubai Majlis will be the discussion and review of the most prominent qualities of the late Sheikh Zayed, may God rest his soul, through the book Soft Power in the Leadership Qualities of Zayed, and the topic Islam and the Future.
A variety of other topics will also be discussed including family stability, tolerance, lifestyle and gender balance. The first edition of Ramadan Dubai will also have majlis for ladies’ discussion of social and spiritual topics.
Ramadan Spirituality is one of the most important activities of Ramadan Dubai. It will be an interactive educational program consisting of dialogue sessions, spiritual activities, competitions and awarding of gifts organized by a number of government agencies and educational institutions in the Emirate of Dubai. This seeks to transcend the human soul above his earthly instincts through the rituals of the holy month. The activity also aims to discuss various topics of life aimed at university students and employees of government departments, including a dialogue session entitled Youth and the March to Development which will discuss the religious and social importance of young people for the country’s development. Successful youth in humanitarian field and in the discipline of tolerance will be presented as role models through social and religious communication programs.
There will also be a panel discussion on the importance of ethics in the life of families, the most important element of a happy Emirati home the series of discussions will be organized by several government institutions such as the General Command of Dubai Police, Dubai Customs, Roads and Transport Authority, Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Zayed University, and Higher Colleges of Technology.
The World in Ramadan Nights offers the general public various entertainment as well as radio and television educational competitions, which will be held at the Dubai Mall from 10pm until midnight.
An exhibition will also be held in coordination with a number of consulates, including the Philippines, Ethiopian, Indian, Chinese, and Uzbek, to highlight the cultures and customs of the people in the Holy Month of Ramadan and the rites they practise during this period.
Ramadan Workshops will be held in Dubai Mall and in Festival City from 10pm to 11pm, in coordination with several competent authorities from the public and private sector, such as Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Al-Jalila Foundation, Matar Bin Lahej School, and Aisha Art. The various artistic workshops will be on Islamic calligraphy, painting, painting on glass, and will be open to the general public, especially to children and families.
Ramadan Dubai has been conceptualized following a declaration in 2013 which called for a widespread effort that ensures resounding resonance at the local and regional levels for Dubai to become a model for several countries in the Islamic world, in line with the vision and efforts of the Government of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. News Desk
