A Special Community Event at Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre in Dubai to Celebrate Ramadan

24 March 2025, Dubai, UAE

Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre in Dubai hosted a special event for various communities in collaboration with official entities and local organizations to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. The event aimed to foster cultural dialogue and strengthen connections among the diverse communities in the UAE.

The program included a guided tour of the mosque, followed by an insightful lecture by Sheikh Dr. Fares Al Mustafa, the mosque’s imam and preacher. His talk covered key topics on the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence among cultures, as well as the esteemed position of Lady Mary (Maryam, peace be upon her) in Islam. Attendees then gathered for a communal iftar, experiencing the spirit of Ramadan in an atmosphere of unity and brotherhood.

In his speech, Sheikh Dr. Fares Al Mustafa emphasized the importance of promoting values of tolerance and coexistence among different faiths and cultures, highlighting Ramadan as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and strengthening human connections. He also spoke about the significance of Lady Mary in Islam, recognizing her as a symbol of purity and faith.

Abdul Salam Al Marzouqi, Director General of Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre, expressed his deep appreciation for the UAE’s commitment to fostering these values. He emphasized that the event aligns with the center’s mission to promote a culture of tolerance and create a space for meaningful dialogue and understanding between different communities. He also extended his gratitude to the generosity of Khalaf bin Ahmed Al Habtoor, whose continued support allows this annual gathering to strengthen social bonds within the community.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including: Nika Salvietti, wife of the Dutch Consul General; Sibel Silan, wife of the Turkish Consul General; Valentina Napoli, wife of the Italian Consul General; Mary Rahman, wife of the Consul of Grenada; Shakhnosa Ikramova, wife of the Uzbek Consul General; Alison Hall, Deputy Consul General at the British Embassy in Dubai; Alicia Cantagallo from the Italian Consulate in Dubai; Giuseppe Pedata, Deputy Trade Commissioner at the Italian Trade Commission in Dubai; Andrea Di Gregorio, Executive Director of the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Office; and Giovanni Crescioni, Director of Protocol, Government, and International Affairs at Raymond Group.

This event is part of a series of activities organized by Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre throughout the year, aimed at promoting cultural integration, interfaith dialogue, and the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Over the past three years (2023-2025), the mosque has hosted approximately 50 school visits, welcoming around 3,818 students. It has also attracted a significant number of visitors, with 128,048 registered guests.

Additionally, the mosque continues to play a key role in supporting new Muslims, with 72 individuals embracing Islam during the same period, reflecting its commitment to spreading the values of Islam and fostering cultural engagement within the community.