The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi today observed the International Day of Human Fraternity. The occasion is marked on February 4, following the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the signing of the Abu Dhabi Document for Human Fraternity in the UAE on this day in 2019.
His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of DCD, said: “The International Day of Human Fraternity is an important opportunity to promote a culture of coexistence, tolerance and understanding. The occasion is also a reminder of the importance of promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue among all members of society.”
H.E. added: “Our wise leadership played a pioneering role in spreading the message of peace and coexistence by signing the landmark accord, which elevated the UAE’s status as one of the most peaceful and tolerant countries in the world. It has become a global capital of tolerance.”
H.E. Dr. Mugheer also highlighted DCD’s role in advancing these noble principles as it seeks to build a society rooted in cultural and religious diversity, as well as values such as tolerance, cooperation, and mutual respect. As a result, the emirate became a globally recognised beacon of peace and human brotherhood, where people enjoy their rights and a decent standard of living.
The Department of Community Development seeks to create a cohesive society in Abu Dhabi by regulating the establishment of places of worship through a legal framework, in addition to establishing associations of public interest. It also sets standards for licensing, inspection, and auditing of these entities, and ensures their compliance with various systems, standards, and legislation.
The DCD Chairman said that licensing communities to set up places of worship is part of its initiatives to strengthen fraternity and achieve the department’s vision of providing a diginified life for all members of society. Moreover, licensing places of worship underscored DCD’s commitment to create a society based on tolerance and mutual respect.
“Abu Dhabi is an ideal place to live, work, travel and invest,” he said. “It’s an attractive place because it is safe, secure, and culturally diverse.”
DCD had issued a book, titled “Houses of Tolerance”, which contains a presentation on all licensed places of worship in the emirate. The presentation includes an introduction to the places of worship, the date of their establishment, their reference, and their location in the emirate. The book also mentions some historical contributions of clergymen in charge of these places to the Arab and Islamic history.
Moreover, DCD also released the Multi-Faith Prayer Room guide, which includes an overview of the concept of the room, and the most prominent standards and requirements approved for licensing it in Abu Dhabi. The department has recently issued a "Religions Handbook", which contains details about all religious ethnicities and sects in the country.