'Fear of Islam' to be addressed at Abu Dhabi peace forum

Muslim scholars and religious dignitaries from around the world to discuss mutual concerns and encourage tolerance at Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies forum

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, December 18, 2016:    Dr. Muhammad Matar al-Ka'bi, secretary general of the forum speaks during the opening session of the Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies forum at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi on December 18, 2016. Christopher Pike / The National

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Reporter: Haneen Dajani
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The Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies forum, which opens later this week, will promote a modern vision of Islam and highlight the religion's contributions to global peace, Dr Mohammed Matar Al Kaabi, the forum’s secretary general, has said.

The fourth edition of the three-day event, which will run from December 11-13 at the St. Regis Hotel Abu Dhabi, will this year tackle the topics of global peace and the fear of Islam, Wam reported.

Dr Al Kaabi, who is also and the chairman of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments, said at a press conference: "Since its inception in 2014, the forum has been a call for peace. In its first edition, it endeavoured to promote the culture of peace and prevent extremist ideologies. In its second edition, the forum called for an update to Islamic discourse to eschew and counter extremism, while the third edition discussed the legitimacy of the nation state in Muslim societies.”

The event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It will see the participation of more than 700 Arab and Muslim scholars, as well as high-level intellectual and religious dignitaries from around the world to discuss mutual concerns and promote global peace and tolerance.

Last year, attendees agreed that Muslims must adjust to the geopolitical realities of the modern world.