The Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi celebrated its second anniversary with a global summit emphasizing the importance of dialogue, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.
‘In Dialogue – Voices of Tomorrow, Stories of Now’ Summit
The anniversary event, titled In Dialogue – Voices of Tomorrow, Stories of Now, brought together over 150 attendees, including diplomats, cultural leaders, and policymakers. The summit provided a platform for dynamic conversations on fostering collaboration, understanding, and peace among diverse communities.
During his opening remarks, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the Abrahamic Family House, highlighted the importance of dialogue in today’s world. “In a world that is profoundly connected and yet increasingly polarised, dialogue is more than an idea or an aspiration; it is a critical component of the cooperation and collaboration required to tackle the greatest challenges of our time,” Al Mubarak stated. He further emphasized that the summit aimed to “amplify the power of dialogue in action” to create lasting change and trust among different communities.
The event featured various prominent speakers, starting with keynote speaker Imam Adam Kelwick, who shared his experience of diffusing community tensions during the 2024 UK riots.
Another notable panel, The Art of Diplomacy in Dialogue, included His Excellency Nikolay Mladenov, Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, and Dr. Mariët Westermann, CEO of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and Museum. They explored how meaningful dialogue and empathy play crucial roles in diplomacy and fostering collaboration.
In a discussion focused on creativity and culture, Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director of The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, and curator Alia Zaal Lootah highlighted the importance of exchange and encounters in inspiring artistic expression.
His Excellency Maqsoud Kruse, Chair of the National Human Rights Institution, and His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), also reflected on efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and cross-cultural dialogue.
Additionally, composer Ihab Darwish, creative director Lateefa bin Hamoodah, and photojournalist Hussain Al Moosawi shared how they bring the vision of the Abrahamic Family House to life through art, music, and photography.
Special art exhibition
In a special moment during the event, the Abrahamic Family House unveiled an exhibition featuring commissioned artworks by Emirati artists, curated by Lateefa bin Hamoodah. The artworks, inspired by dialogue and coexistence, aim to embody the themes discussed at the summit.
In line with the anniversary celebration, the Abrahamic Family House also announced a new partnership with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy. This collaboration will promote interfaith dialogue, cultural exchange, and education. The partnership includes the launch of the Abrahamic Family House Fellowship Program, which will support one scholar each year to advance research in interfaith studies, diplomacy, and cultural engagement.
Reflecting on two years of success
The Abrahamic Family House, which opened in February 2023, has already welcomed over 600,000 visitors and hosted numerous events focused on learning, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. As part of its anniversary celebrations, the center is offering a series of events throughout the month, including a Global Tolerance and Human Fraternity Conference and the second edition of the Quran recital competition.
The Abrahamic Family House’s efforts continue to align with Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to dialogue and peaceful coexistence, as seen in its support for the values outlined in the Document on Human Fraternity. This document is commemorated annually on the International Day of Human Fraternity, celebrated on February 4.
Through these initiatives and celebrations, the Abrahamic Family House continues to embody its mission of fostering understanding and unity across different communities.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
