Islamic heritage fest to kick off from April 24

Abu Dhabi - The four-day festival is a platform designed to highlight the inherent positivity of Islam.

A festival that will showcase the heritage of Islam and highlight how Muslims adapt to different cultures will be hosted in Abu Dhabi next week.
The second edition of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Festival will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) from April 24 to 27.
"The four-day festival is a platform designed to highlight the inherent positivity of Islam and illustrate how Muslims around the world can preserve their religious principles while adapting to different cultures," Yousef Mohammed Al Dobeay, advisor of the secretary-general for political affairs and chairman of the OIC festival organising committee, said at a Press conference on Tuesday. "This is an important event that aims to emphasise the message and teachings of Islam in bringing together the different cultures of the world regardless of religion, race and gender."
It will also address a range of topics, mainly involving tolerance as a foundation of Islam, the role of youth in spreading the culture of tolerance, and the importance of tolerance and moderation in worship.
Al Dobeay noted that the Abu Dhabi edition of the OIC Festival, which will be organised in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC), builds on the previous edition that was held in Cairo in February.
It will continue to acquaint the world with the people, customs, traditions, folklore and diverse patterns of life in Islamic countries.
To be held under the theme 'One Nation Unified by Benevolent Cooperation, Justice and Tolerance', the festival will see the participation of more than 16 Islamic countries.
Mohammed Saif Hilal Al Shehhi, director of UN programmes at MoFAIC, said the festival is open to all Muslims as well as non-Muslims who are eager to enhance their understanding and knowledge of Islamic culture.
"The festival aims to enhance the common values of Muslims, highlight the Islamic culture and show other people that Islam is a peaceful religion that denounces hatred, violence and terrorism," said Al Shehhi.
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• Abu Dhabi