Reinforcing the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to interfaith relations and cultural understanding, Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaily, head of the Department of Community Development (DCD), along with a delegation of senior officials, visited the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi on October 2nd. Swami Brahmavihari Das expressed his gratitude to President Al Nahyan.
Swami Brahmavihari Das extended a warm welcome to the delegation and conducted an in-depth tour of the temple, highlighting the project’s comprehensive vision of love, peace, and harmony. The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on the UAE’s core values of peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue, and socio-cultural diversity, which help to enhance the country’s international standing as a beacon of tolerance.
During the visit, Swami Brahmavihari Das conveyed his profound appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his steadfast backing and forward-thinking leadership. He also touched upon the forthcoming stages of the temple’s development and its growing role in fostering mutual respect among different communities.
Dr. Al Khaily and his team praised the temple as a symbol of unity, acknowledging its praiseworthy efforts to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds in celebrating shared human values.
The DCD delegation acknowledged the temple’s positive role in promoting community solidarity and reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to tolerance and inclusivity. This visit by the UAE delegation marks a pivotal moment in the collaborative endeavors of faith-based and governmental organizations, working together to foster harmony and unity within the multifaceted culture of the Emirates.
Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaily has visited the BAPS Hindu Temple previously. In November 2023, Dr. Al Khaily, accompanied by Mohammed Al Baloushi and senior DCD officials, toured the temple. Before the visit to the temple site, Dr. Al Khaily and Swami Brahmavihari Das, together, offered floral tributes on bricks laid by people from around the world, in recognition of their prayers for peace and harmony.