Nahyan Bin Mubarak Opens 2nd OIC Festival

Nahyan bin Mubarak opens 2nd OIC Festival

ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2019) Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, today opened the 2nd Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Festival, a four-day celebration of Islam, in cooperation with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The festival is aimed at uniting nations from across the Islamic world, as well as shedding light on their various cultures, traditions and values.

Scheduled from April 24-27 under the theme "One Nation Unified by Benevolent Cooperation, Justice & Tolerance", the festival, to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, ADNEC, celebrates the underlying positivity of islam and demonstrates the work of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, OIC, in cultivating cultural diversity.

With 57 member states across four continents, the OIC is the second largest international organisation after the United Nations and includes 1.5 billion Muslims around the world.

"The OIC Festival is a great occasion to shed light on the values and principles of Islam and to provide examples of the ability of Muslims around the world to adhere to their religious principles and values while adapting to different cultures," said Sheikh Nahyan in his opening address, adding, "This festival contributes to strengthening the values of solidarity and cohesion, in line with the objectives and contents of the 'Year of Tolerance' initiative and the UAE's commitment to spreading the message of tolerance around the world."

He also praised the role of the OIC in protecting the interests of Muslims around the world, in addition to working to consolidate world peace.

Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, said the festival is an important educational platform that provides Muslims with an opportunity to explore the diversity of their faith, while providing non-Muslims "with an opportunity to get a closer look at our true religion".

During its four days, the main stage will feature live performances from folklore groups stretching from the UAE to Indonesia, Saudi Arabia to Burkina Faso and across the Muslim world, along with a series of lectures from prominent figures.

Other highlights include a series of exhibitions and art workshops that showcase the work of Islamic calligraphy, and artists highlighting the evolution of art.

The festival also presents a collection of rare manuscripts in the various sciences, arts and typefaces, ranging from the third century AH to the 14th century AH, including verses from the Quran.