In a move that underscores the United Arab Emirates’ commitment to interfaith understanding and cultural harmony, Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaily, head of the Department of Community Development (DCD), led a delegation of senior officials on a visit to the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi on October 2nd. Swami Brahmavihari Das expressed his gratitude to President Al Nahyan for his support.
Swami Brahmavihari Das warmly greeted the delegation, providing an extensive tour of the temple and sharing the project’s broad vision of promoting love, peace, and harmony. The visit served as a platform for discussions on the UAE’s long-standing values of peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue, and socio-cultural diversity, which bolster the nation’s reputation as a symbol of tolerance.
During the visit, Swami Brahmavihari Das conveyed his deep appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his unwavering support and visionary leadership. He also discussed the forthcoming phases of the temple’s development and its increasing role in promoting mutual respect among various communities.
Dr. Al Khaily and his team lauded the temple as a symbol of unity, commending its commendable efforts to bring people from diverse backgrounds together to celebrate shared human values.
The DCD delegation recognized the temple’s positive contributions to promoting community solidarity and enhancing the UAE’s vision of tolerance and inclusivity. This visit by the UAE delegation marks a significant milestone in the cooperative efforts between faith-based and governmental institutions, fostering harmony and unity within the multicultural framework of the Emirates.
Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaily had previously visited the BAPS Hindu Temple. In November 2023, Dr. Al Khaily, alongside Mohammed Al Baloushi and senior DCD officials, toured the temple. Prior to the visit to the temple site, Dr. Al Khaily and Swami Brahmavihari Das, together, offered flowers on bricks placed by people from across the globe, honoring their prayers for peace and harmony.