Today's Edition
Ibrahim Salim (Abu Dhabi)
Dr. Omar Aldrai, Head of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE), has confirmed the authority’s comprehensive preparations for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. These preparations includes a wide array of programmes aimed at fulfilling the diverse needs of worshippers and those fasting.
Starting on Sunday, the UAE will welcome 20 distinguished scholars from around the world as guests of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. These scholars will participate in a series of events and lectures across the nation. Aldrai noted that the scholars will be received by a high-level GAIAE delegation, who will accompany them to their residence and organise several visits for them.
The authority has already undertaken extensive preparations, Aldari said, noting that 5,276 mosques across the UAE are ready to welcome worshippers. The authority has replaced carpets in 180 mosques recently affected by rain, and has printed 100,000 copies of the Quran, sponsored by the UAE President. He also noted that there are 90 Quran memorisation centres nationwide, with plans to further engage imams in promoting Quran memorisation.
The announcement was made during a GAIAE media briefing held at the Authority’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi on Thursday regarding the visiting scholars, and was attended by key figures, including Mohammed Saeed Al Neyadi, Director-General of the GAIAE. Dr. Aldrai conveyed his congratulations to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, along with Their Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, Crown Princes, and the citizens and residents of the country. Reflecting on the country’s achievements in science, civilisation, and the promotion of human values, Aldrai emphasised the UAE’s role as a beacon of tolerance, coexistence, and peace.
This year’s Ramadan guest scholars hail from a diverse array of countries, including the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Morocco, the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Republic of Tatarstan, the Republic of Dagestan, the Republic of India, and Burkina Faso, among other nations.
These scholars will deliver lectures in multiple languages at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque along with other mosques, Quranic centres, public and private institutions, and through digital platforms.
The programme also includes other lectures, evening events in neighbourhood councils, religious and social seminars, and a special celebration of Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, which falls annually on the 19th day of the holy month of Ramadan, in commemoration of legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. On this day, the GAIAE will organise a special programme at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which will include religious speeches, national poems, and other community activities.
Aldrai also announced that a highlight of this year’s programme is the scientific conference that will discuss the interplay between the Quran and scientific inquiry, and the UAE’s progress in this regard. The conference will feature the participation of the guest scholars and a select group of experts and specialists.
The authority has also initiated a media plan to promote programme activities, with planned events such as the “Visit a Benefactor” initiative, the “Your Iftar is on Us” campaign, and “Zayed’s Will”, during which participants will pay visits to patients, the elderly, and people of determination.
The GAIAE’s efforts also include a podcast featuring the guest scholars, a Quran recitation initiative, and expert discussion panels.
