UAE licensing laws for places of worship in final stage of preparation

Religious sites 'must reflect ethos of Year of Tolerance'

ABU DHABI, 19th July, 2019 (WAM) -- Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Supreme National Committee of the 'Year of Tolerance', presided over the committee's meeting in the presence of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and the Committee's Vice Chairman. Among those who attended the meeting were Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development; Hessa Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development; Jameela Al Muheiri, Minister of State for Public Education; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the National Media Council, and Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs. MOFAIC / Wam
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The Year of Tolerance committee has announced the introduction of licensing laws for places of worship in the UAE is in its final phase, state news agency WAM has reported.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the new law would mean places of worship would have to reflect the values of the Year of Tolerance.

“It is important to consolidate the values of tolerance within the UAE community through sustainable initiatives and projects that enhance the role of the UAE as a global capital for tolerance, coexistence and human brotherhood,” said Sheikh Abdullah, who is the Year of Tolerance committee chairman, which met in Abu Dhabi.

The committee revealed there have been more than 1,400 initiatives and projects that serve the seven pillars of the Year of Tolerance, it also noted that diplomatic missions carried out more than 45 initiatives during the year.

Also attending the meeting were Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development; Hessa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development; Jameela Al Muheiri, Minister of State for Public Education; Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State; and Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs.