Abu Dhabi, Oct 4: In a gesture underscoring the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) enduring commitment to interfaith harmony and cultural inclusivity, Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development (DCD), visited the iconic BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi earlier this week, accompanied by a delegation of senior officials.
The delegation was warmly welcomed by Swami Brahmaviharidas, who led a guided tour of the Mandir and shared its vision of fostering love, peace, and harmony. Discussions during the visit highlighted the UAE’s long-standing values of peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue, and sociocultural diversity—principles that continue to define the nation’s reputation as a global beacon of tolerance.
Swami Brahmaviharidas expressed heartfelt gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering support and visionary leadership, noting that the Mandir stands as a testament to the UAE’s inclusive spirit. He also briefed the delegation on the next phases of the Mandir’s development and its role in promoting mutual respect among diverse communities.
Al Khaili commended the Mandir as a powerful symbol of unity, lauding its contribution to bringing people of all faiths together. He emphasized that the Mandir reflects the UAE’s ethos of tolerance and inclusivity, while strengthening bonds between faith-based institutions and government bodies.
The visit marked another milestone in the UAE’s interfaith engagement, following last month’s visit by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and his son Ghanim Bin Sulayem.
Swami Brahmaviharidas thanked Sultan bin Sulayem for his consistent support—from facilitating stone transport during the Covid-19 period to championing sustainable initiatives. Sultan bin Sulayem praised the Mandir’s transformation, calling it “an inspired creation” and “a special place symbolizing unity and divine purpose.”
