ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf) is set to organise the second edition of the By the Star forum, on Thursday, at Al Jahili Fort under the theme Star Positions: Values and Sciences.

The Awqaf stated that the forum is being held in line with the Year of Family and coincides with Isra and Miraj, aiming to highlight the values inspired by this occasion, reinforce their meaning for Emirati families, and explore scientific horizons that bridge faith-based principles, human knowledge, and universal sciences. 

The forum also seeks to showcase the UAE’s efforts in space exploration and the development of an integrated national ecosystem capable of keeping pace with future aspirations.

Dr Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority for Awqaf, expressed his deep appreciation for the continued support of the UAE leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for the Authority’s initiatives.

He also extended his sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his patronage of the forum, which coincides with the anniversary of Isra and Miraj and aims to highlight the occasion’s profound religious significance, elevated spiritual values, and universal human values.

Dr Al Darei added, “Commemorating Isra and Miraj presents an opportunity for reflection and contemplation of God’s creation and cosmic signs, and for contemplating the divine wisdom in the order and facilitation of all matters.” He further commended the UAE’s efforts in space exploration through pioneering projects and initiatives focused on developing qualified national capabilities and leveraging space sciences to support economic growth and enhance quality of life.

The forum will feature the participation of Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to His Highness the President and Chancellor of UAE University, in a panel discussion titled The Emirati Family: The Primary Incubator of Values, Identity, and Talent. The session underscores the pivotal role of the family in nurturing an informed generation that upholds authentic values, supports sustainable social development and reinforces national identity while engaging positively with the modern era.

Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, will also participate in the forum through a session titled The UAE Education System: Values-Based Education and Universal Sciences, highlighting the role of the education ecosystem in instilling human values and consolidating scientific knowledge.
The session aims to highlight efforts to prepare future-ready generations that support the UAE’s transition towards a knowledge- and innovation-based economy, further strengthening its standing in global education and development indicators.

The forum will also feature a range of activities, including a segment on the traditional arts of Wanna and Al-Taghrooda in praise of the Prophet Muhammad, and the honouring of winners of the Hafeet Religious Talent competition. An accompanying exhibition, Emirates Stars Corner, will showcase selected religious talents in the call to prayer (Adhan), oratory, and preaching, alongside several projects and programmes supporting the UAE’s space exploration initiatives, in collaboration with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC), the National Space Science and Technology Center (NSSTC) at UAE University, and the International Astronomical Center.