New Delhi (India), April 17: The sound of the Muslim call to prayer echoed in the Hilton Habtoor grand hotel in Dubai UAE, as more than 200 members from various trade and commerce bodies gathered to celebrate the Muslim Iftar Service hosted by the Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce and the Human Achievers Foundation.
Trade Commissioner of the Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce, Mr Harris Mohammed of Mukka Exports in Dubai, who was the host of the evening, introduced the theme of “building hospitality as a way of life ” with the sacred ark of Islam behind him. The Interfaith Committee of Human Achievers Foundation and the Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce jointly hosted this second annual multifaith event.
Ghanem Al Falasi, the CEO of the Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Mr Jamal Al Jarwan, the Secretary General of the UAE Investors Council, were present to interact with all guests from India and UAE together, and they gave the keynote address. They both spoke of the shared tradition of hospitality as a cultural norm within Judaism and Islam. Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism also include hospitality and welcoming strangers in their sacred texts and traditions. It was a special honour for Dr Senorita Isaac, Founder and Chairperson Human Achievers Foundation, since she had been working on supporting charitable organisations and is building collaboration in the middle east.
The Host of the evening, Mohammed Harris, Trade Commissioner and the Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce, was praised for his many years of leadership in the Interfaith community. He has spearheaded the promotion of interfaith education in the Emirates.
After sunset, representatives from 26 trade and commerce houses in the Emirates feasted on the iftar dinner, lovingly prepared by a team of chefs from Hilton Habtoor. (stuffed grape leaves), Fellah Köftesi (bulgur balls with spices and yoghurt) and Baklava (from Daddy’s Baklava in Concord) were among the delicacies served.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslim people during which they maintain a daily fast, help those less fortunate and share Iftar with family, friends, and strangers. Having the Ramadan Iftar (a break in the fast) as a shared dinner with family and new people from different backgrounds is a meaningful way to promote dialogue and increase understanding of each other. The Asian Arab Chamber of Commerce is planning a series of engagements in the emirates. They are working on collaborations of building and strengthening relations with the developing emirates like the Umm Al Quwain and the Ras Al Khaimah for more Indian presence.
