The Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre (AFMC) located in Jumeirah, Dubai welcomed some 70 delegates from the Italian and Ukrainian community who took part in the ‘Iftar’ meal alongside Muslims on Sunday 12 May 2019. Sheikh Dr Fares Al Mustafa, the Religious and Cultural Affairs Advisor, AFMC spoke about the UAE’s Arabic-Islamic heritage rooted in peace, tolerance and coexistence as the mosque celebrates the Holy month and the vision of Sheikh Zayed through inter-faith dialogue.

The delegation from Italy and Ukraine were given a tour of the mosque, which is highlighted as one of Dubai’s most compelling pieces of architecture and design. Supported by Al Habtoor Group Chairman, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor and open to the public since 2011, AFMC is a national landmark inspired by the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and boasts a mix of Ottoman-style architecture with Andalusian and Islamic art.

Throughout the Holy month of Ramadan, AFMC has setup an air-conditioned tent located on the premises to serve 1,500 meals daily for people to break their fast at sunset.

Abdul Salam Al Marzooqi, General Manager, AFMC, said “Over the past five years, the AFMC has served over 180,000 Iftar meals, this includes over 40,000 meals planned for year. Throughout the year and especially during the Holy month, we are honoured to be of service to all members the community and to show that Islam is a religion embedded in peace, understanding and tolerance.”

The Al Farooq Omar bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre is one of only a few mosques in the UAE to welcome non-Muslims.