- The initiative seeks to promote respect for religious and cultural diversity in Abu Dhabi
H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Head of the Department of Community Development, and Eng. Abdulla Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Head of Mubadala Healthcare, were both present at the inauguration of the Multi-Faith Prayer Room at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
As one of many community initiatives implemented by the Department of Community Development (DCD), the new Multi-Faith Prayer Room reflects the UAE's reputation as a global destination for the many millions who live, work, invest and seek medical treatment in the country.
In addition, the opening of the Multi-Faith Prayer Room strengthens the DCD’s efforts to offer multiple places of worship in Abu Dhabi, in-line with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s position as a major treatment destination, attracting patients and visitors from around the world
To mark the occasion, H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Head of the DCD, stressed how the wise leadership of Abu Dhabi is keen to provide a dignified life for all residents, of all cultures, nationalities and religions. In line with this direction, the DCD is committed to support initiatives and projects that enhance the quality of life of all members of the community.
H.E. Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili said: “Article 32 of the UAE’s charter stipulates the freedom to exercise religious worship in accordance with established customs, provided that it does not conflict with public policy or violate public morals.
“Since its establishment, our beloved nation has had a proud history of imbuing the values of tolerance and coexistence in the UAE and the wider region.”
H.E. Al Khaili added, “Abu Dhabi has a reputation as a global center of peace, tolerance and human rights, in which the individual enjoys all their rights to live and work with dignity. We have a long history of exporting the values of coexistence and harmony amongst all our people."
His Excellency continued, “The Multi-Faith Prayer Room at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is an excellent example of a community coming together, with the facility being inaugurated in accordance with the UAE laws and regulations, while meeting international standards. We have carried out extensive studies to ensure it meets these standards, while keeping in line with customs and traditions of different religions.”
The Head of the DCD praised Mubadala's tireless efforts to offer the second multi-religious worship room in Abu Dhabi after Abu Dhabi International Airport, noting that Al Maryah Island is a key destination that attracts thousands of investors, tourists and others.
Eng. Abdulla Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Head of Mubadala Healthcare, said, “I am delighted to announce the official launch of Mubadala Healthcare’s first Multi-Faith Prayer Room – a dedicated space that celebrates the diversity of our country, and recognizes the principles of tolerance instilled by our nation’s founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, May His Soul Rest in Peace, and cherished by the country’s leadership.”
“While Mubadala’s healthcare providers are known for pioneering advanced procedures and providing the highest levels of care, the Multi-Faith Prayer Room represents our commitment to putting patients first. It is about catering to their needs in a holistic manner, beyond just providing clinical treatment for their medical condition,” he continued.
Dr. Fahed Al Marzooqi, Chief Administrative Officer, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi said, “Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s mission is to treat some of the most serious illnesses in the UAE and wider region. In keeping with this, our patients, their families, and our diverse community of caregivers will collectively benefit from a calm, safe space of tolerance and empathy for people of all backgrounds to spend quiet moments of reflection within the hospital. Every day, we strive to put our patients first and care for each other, and the opening of the multi-faith room at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a new destination which helps us to achieve those goals of care and compassion for others.”
The Multi-Faith room initiative emphasizes a growing awareness with regards to the need to promote tolerance and coexistence within all aspects of society, allowing for the creation of a unified community based on the idea of tolerance and respect, with individuals promoting sustainable development in Abu Dhabi.
The DCD started granting licenses for the establishment of multifaith-prayer rooms in September, a step considered as another achievement to be added to the Department’s list of accomplishments since its establishment.