UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received His Eminence Professor Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at Qasr Al Shati palace in Abu Dhabi. The meeting brought together two of the most influential figures in Muslim world leadership to advance a shared vision of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
Strengthening UAE–Al-Azhar Cooperation
Talks centred on deepening collaboration between UAE authorities, Al-Azhar, and the Muslim Council of Elders. Both sides discussed initiatives to consolidate shared human values and promote a culture of coexistence, civilised dialogue, and peace among cultures and peoples worldwide.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation for the Grand Imam's sustained efforts in advancing tolerance and human coexistence. He praised Dr Al Tayeb's role in building bridges across religious and cultural divides — work that has become closely associated with the UAE's own identity as a global hub for interfaith harmony.
Human Fraternity and the Abrahamic Family House
A central point of discussion was the Document on Human Fraternity, signed by Dr Al Tayeb and His Holiness Pope Francis in Abu Dhabi in February 2019. The document calls for uniting humanity's shared values, developing spirituality for tolerance, and establishing peace across cultures and civilisations.
One of the most visible fruits of that document is the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The interfaith complex — housing a mosque, a church, and a synagogue under one roof — marked its first anniversary earlier in 2024 and stands as a physical embodiment of the Human Fraternity message.
Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace
The meeting also addressed the Muslim Council of Elders' initiative, the Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace, established in collaboration with the Republic of Indonesia. The alliance aims to strengthen the role of religious scholars and leaders in supporting global development and peace efforts — areas where both the UAE and Al-Azhar have long been active partners.
