The ECSSR held a lecture entitled: ‘Prospects for Muslim-Christian Dialogue,’ delivered by the Rev. Dr. Riad Jarjour (General Secretary) and Dr. Mohammad Al-Sammak (Founding Member) of the Arab Group for Muslim–Christian Dialogue.

Rev. Dr. Riad Jarjour called on leaders and elites in the Arab world to learn from the example of the UAE as it represents the best model of co-existence between people of different faiths, sects and beliefs, especially Muslims and Christians. He commended the efforts and the unwavering support extended by the UAE toward the Muslim-Christian Dialogue since its establishment in 1995. He particularly acknowledged the support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. He stressed that the humanitarian vision of the UAE is the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Dr. Mohammad Al-Sammak explained the different factors that dominate the relationship between Muslims and Christians and how they necessitate the immediate need for dialogue between them. This is necessary because two-thirds of Christians in the world now live in Asia and Africa, while 500 million Muslims live in the Christian-majority West. Dr. Al-Sammak added that the Muslim-Christian Dialogue has been making constant efforts to bridge this divide.