The UAE’s dedication to interfaith understanding and cultural acceptance was reinforced as Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaily, the head of the Department of Community Development (DCD), and a delegation of senior officials visited the prominent BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi on October 2nd. Swami Brahmavihari Das took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the support of President Al Nahyan.
Swami Brahmavihari Das offered a warm welcome to the delegation and provided an extensive tour of the temple, detailing the project’s overarching goals of love, peace, and harmony. The visit provided a crucial setting for discussions regarding the UAE’s historical dedication to peaceful coexistence, interfaith communication, and the promotion of social and cultural diversity, thereby enhancing the country’s reputation as a tolerant nation.
During the visit, Swami Brahmavihari Das expressed his deep gratitude to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, recognizing his steadfast backing and insightful leadership. He also highlighted the temple’s future development phases and its growing importance in cultivating mutual respect among various communities.
Dr. Al Khaily and his team commended the temple as a representation of unity and praised its valuable initiatives in bringing individuals from diverse backgrounds together to celebrate common human values.
The DCD delegation also acknowledged the temple’s positive contributions to strengthening community cohesion and fostering the UAE’s vision of tolerance and inclusivity. This visit by the UAE delegation represents a significant step in the collaborative efforts between religious organizations and governmental bodies, aimed at encouraging 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, accompanied by Mohammed Al Baloushi and senior DCD officials, toured the temple. Before touring the temple site, Dr. Al Khaily and Swami Brahmavihari Das together showered flowers on bricks laid by people from around the globe, honoring their prayers for peace and harmony.