Dubai announces Ramadan initiatives for expats

As we inch closer to the holy month of Ramadan, the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai (IACAD) has announced the launch of the first edition of 'Ramadan Dubai' that will see a host of activities take place throughout the holy month under the theme of 'compassion and coexistence.'

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Ramadan Dubai 2019 will aim to spread the values of Islam and the spirit of tolerance among people of different communities by promoting the principles underlined in the Holy Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). To make it an inclusive event for people of all nationalities, religions and background the different activities will include promoting Ramadan traditions and how the holy month is celebrated in different countries and cultures. Customs and rituals during the holy month as practiced by different countries will be displayed emphasizing on how Muslims across the globe mark the holy month.

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Some of the initiatives that will be featured in the month long initiative are Raahid bin Mohammed Ramadan Forum, Ramadan Dubai Majlis, Spirituality of Ramadan, Iftar dialougue, Ramadan Nights and Squares, The World in Ramadan, the United Emirati House, The Good Pathways, Journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and importance of names of Allah.

The announcement was made at a Press conference in the presence of Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, Director-general of IACAD and the chairman of Higher Committee of Ramadan Dubai, along with directors and heads of various government departments and media representatives.

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In his opening address, Shaibani thanked the wise leadership of the UAE for supporting IACAD to successfully work successfully for the past fifty years locally and globally in the field of Islamic works, humanitarian and charitable endeavors. Speaking about the objectives of Ramadan Dubai 2019, he said it included spreading the values of Islam and spirit of tolerance among people of the UAE by shedding light on the Quran and Sunnah through lectures and various sessions by Islamic scholars.

He said: "The holy month of Ramadan is the most suitable to inculcate the value of tolerance for different religions through peaceful coexistence, respect and acceptance of others within the UAE. This event will establish a connection between various sects, nationalities by giving people a fair idea about what values and customs of Islam and by showing them that Islam is moderate, free of violence and extremism, and a religion that leans more towards accepting peaceful coexistence than rejecting it.

Ramadan Dubai will also feature educational and interactive events carefully selected in line with the spiritual aspect of the holy month. For example the Journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will see various documentaries recorded on the life of the holy prophet and these will be showcased in different malls so as to introduce people to the gentle character of the messenger of God.

Iftar dialogue will be an educational programme that will be held in Ramadan tents, to spread the teachings and message of Islam among various community members. Here people of different faiths and nationalities can ask questions about religious issues in general and specifically about the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan Nights and Squares will be held across major shopping centres in Dubai, which will feature artistic workshops such as art of writing the Quranic text, calligraphy, painting workshop and exhibitions to promote the culture of tolerance, diversity, pluralism and respect for all.

While the Good Pathways programme will be a package of various charity projects organised and implemented by IACAD in partnership with a number of charities in Dubai, the Names of Allah programme will explain eople the most powerful names of Allah and the impact of those meanings on a Muslim in his or her daily life.

The 19th day of Ramadan, which is the death anniversary of UAE's founding father late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan a big event will be launched across the emirate.

On her part Sheikha Al Marri, chairwoman of the committee on information and communication, said: "Keeping in mind the vital role media plays in all its forms - visual, audio and print, in addition to social media, a new website will be launched regarding Ramadan Dubai along with an application that can be downloaded on Apple and Google Play on the same."

saman@khaleejtimes.com