Ministry launches initiative to promote community cohesion
abu dhabi — The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, in association with Cleveland Clinic, launched ‘All Together in the Emirates of Zayed Al Khair’ initiative on Wednesday. The initiative promotes social cohesion and understanding during the holy month of Ramadan.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, inaugurated an art exhibition at Cleveland Clinic as part of the initiative.
Sheikh Nahyan said such an initiative will help the expat community become familiar with the UAE culture. He hoped that through such events, the expats will ‘understand and appreciate’ the pluralistic elements of the society that distinguishes Emirati heritage.
“The holy month of Ramadan is a perfect time to reflect on Emirati culture and heritage. Our Islamic faith bears profoundly on our beliefs and attitudes. Those beliefs and attitudes
The holy month of Ramadan is a perfect time to reflect on Emirati culture and heritage”. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak
always motivate our actions. It is in those actions that we all find common ground. People of all nations, cultures, religions, ethnic groups and philosophical schools recognise good actions and distinguish them from bad actions. The differences among the beliefs that inspire those actions are, it seems to me, far less important than the actions themselves. Actions shape the world in which we live.”
Elaborating on the aspects of faith, beliefs and human action, he said: “We enhance our power as global citizens when we understand and appreciate different beliefs that motivate the actions that we all perform every day. Understanding the beliefs of others does not require us to abandon our own individual beliefs. Engaging in open dialogue is like looking through a window in which you can also see your own reflection. Learning about the culture and beliefs of others will help you better understand your own. Understanding leads to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and hopefully to a world where curiosity replaces fear, where differences are celebrated, and where cooperation becomes a way to build a truly pluralistic global society.”
Sheikh Nahyan added: “It is in the spirit of pluralism that the the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan brought our seven emirates together and provided a welcoming Arab tent for the citizens of 200 other countries, all dedicated to the development and well-being of the UAE.”
Later, historian Dr Mohammed Al Qudsi gave an address on the Emirati culture and heritage. He described with visuals the sea change from 1970s till date. Al Qudsi gave an overview of the developments seen across all sectors.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com