Pope Francis XVI’s upcoming visit to the United Arab Emirates in February is part of an interfaith dialogue on “human fraternity”, a milestone on the road to human coexistence and the relationship between heavenly religions.
Just as the UAE has managed to become a global capital of humanitarian action, having since 2013 been the world’s largest donor of official development assistance (ODA) in relation to its gross national income (GNI), the country has achieved a historic leap in foreign aid, leading the UAE from 19th place globally in 2012 to first place in 2013. The UAE is working hard to become a global capital of interfaith dialogue through establishment of mutual respect and the promotion of peace, fraternity and tolerance among all human beings.
The truth is that no country better understands the value of tolerance and coexistence between human beings than the UAE and its wise leaders. These noble values are not slogans raised in the UAE, but they are firmly anchored in the foundations of the federal building since its founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The values and principles he has instilled, may God bless his soul, have become an integral part of the UAE’s identity and the collective consciousness of its people and the convictions of its wise leaders, who work day and night to bring all the reasons for happiness and well-being to all UAE citizens and residents, regardless of color or race. For many years, the UAE has sought to create a model State in the cultural and human coexistence of over 200 nationalities through legislative and legal frameworks that govern relations and reject extremism, racism and hatred of the other, making the UAE an oasis of security, stability and human coexistence. This experience has matured and yielded its fruits to the point where the world has had the right to benefit from it and to replicate its teachings and data to achieve the same results and get the same fruits, so that the whole world will enjoy greater security and stability and put an end to conflicts and wars.
The Pope’s historic visit to the United Arab Emirates will open a new chapter in interfaith relations, which will be added to efforts in the area of dialogue and coexistence among peoples, as said by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, “The prosperity of peace is achieved through harmony and acceptance of the other. “
One of the most important reasons for optimism about this historic visit is undoubtedly the Pontiff’s respect and appreciation for the role of the UAE in promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence, which he sees as an example and a model in this context, which means that it is possible to base a common global action to establish a new phase of the dialogue. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, said it was important to strengthen mutual respect and consolidate interfaith dialogue, while His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that the Pope is a symbol of peace and tolerance and the promotion of bonds of human brotherhood.
The Pope is a true defender of peace in the world, who believes in his mission to spread good and bring people together. It is very important that the Muslim world build bridges of rapprochement in his presence because its role and its convictions are complementary to the mission and principles of the UAE which aims to spread peace and tolerance among human beings, and therefore, there is common ground and constants that both parties believe in. Both parties have a strong desire to spread the message of peace, love and good.
The timing and objectives of the visit at this important and delicate stage of contemporary history are of exceptional importance. The world, and more particularly the Middle East, needs more peace, coexistence and tolerance than ever before, as our region faces many conflicts and crises. The relationship between followers of religions is at the edge of the chasm and requires wise figures and religious leaders who believe in the true role of religions in understanding, bringing people together and coexistence among human beings.
This is a new phase of humanitarian understanding that will be inaugurated by the historic visit of Pope Francis to the UAE in February.
