A multi-confessional prayer room has opened at Abu Dhabi Airport.
On June 30, 2019, the first multi-faith prayer hall opened at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Passengers and airport staff of any faith can travel here to pray in a quiet environment.
The hall was opened by the Ministry of Public Development of Abu Dhabi in cooperation with the airport operator. Office officials said the initiative is part of the UAE’s strategy to promote religious tolerance.
Dr. Mugir al-Khaili, the head of the ministry, said: "We are pleased to ... welcome passengers of all faiths from around the world to Abu Dhabi."
Last week, the ministry also reported on the licensing of 19 religious sites in the capital, including churches, temples and gurudwaras for Sikhs. There are currently 17 Christian churches in Abu Dhabi, as well as one gurudwara. In 2022, a monumental Hindu temple will open in the capital.
The year 2019, declared the Year of Tolerance, began with a vivid manifestation of the interfaith unity of the Arab Emirates with a visit by the head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis and the Great Imam of the Egyptian Mosque and Al Azhar University. During their meeting, an agreement was signed on the construction of the Family House, named after Abraham, which is revered in Islam, Judaism and Christianity.
