DCD’s Chairman, Roman Orthodox Bishop Discuss Legal Framework For Licensing Places Of Worship

Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD), has received the Roman Orthodox Bishop of the Emirates, Bishop Gregorios Khoury.

ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 26th Sep, 2018) Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD), has received the Roman Orthodox Bishop of the Emirates, Bishop Gregorios Khoury.

The meeting, which took place at DCD’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, came as part of a series of meetings organised by the Department with religious institutions, the aim of which is to nurture tolerance and promote respect for all faiths, in line with the UAE’s strategy to promote tolerance, co-existence and acceptance.

During the meeting, discussions focused on regulations and the legal framework for establishing, licensing and monitoring places of worship, and attending to the needs of other religions, as part of the wise leadership’s vision to transform the UAE community into a beacon of tolerance.

Dr. Al Khaili noted that this meeting forms part of DCD’s vision to ensure decent living standards for all members of the community, and is in line with the UAE’s goal of becoming a model for peaceful co-existence, by making tolerance and acceptance cornerstones of community development.

"Since the establishment of the UAE by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, tolerance and peaceful co- existence have been the pillars of society. This vision has been carried forward by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as clearly demonstrated by the peaceful coexistence of over 200 nationalities in the country."

Dr. Al Khaili stressed the importance of holding regular meetings between the DCD and the heads of churches, as this promotes constructive dialogue and peaceful co-existence. He added that the UAE leadership endeavours to protect the freedom of worship and promote respect for all religions and faiths, thus making the country an outstanding model for tolerance.