Faith, belief and respecting others' beliefs

The UAE is home to people of many faiths and of none, living and working side by side. Whatever you believe, knowing how to talk about belief with curiosity and respect is a life skill you will use at school, at university and at work, anywhere in the world.

Belief as part of a meaningful life

• For many people, faith is a central source of meaning, community and guidance. For others, meaning comes from philosophy, family, service or personal values.
• The Stanford Center on Adolescence notes that faith communities, like service clubs and mentors, are one of the places where young people often develop a sense of purpose.
• Your beliefs may deepen, change or be questioned as you grow. Asking questions is a normal part of thinking for yourself.
• Respecting others does not mean you must agree with them, or give up your own beliefs. It means treating people with dignity, whatever they believe.

Tolerance and coexistence in the UAE

• The UAE has a Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, whose mission includes fostering mutual respect and peaceful coexistence, rejecting violence, discrimination and hatred, and promoting interfaith dialogue.
• The National Tolerance Program, endorsed by the Federal Cabinet, includes a focus on encouraging tolerance among young people and protecting them from intolerance and extremism.
• The UAE Government portal states that the country has passed a law against discrimination and hatred.
• On 4 February 2019, Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Ahmed Al-Tayeb, signed the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together in Abu Dhabi.
• The United Nations later proclaimed 4 February as the International Day of Human Fraternity (General Assembly resolution 75/200).

The Abrahamic Family House

• The Abrahamic Family House is on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. It was inaugurated on 16 February 2023 and opened to the public on 1 March 2023.
• It brings together a mosque, a church and a synagogue on one site, inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity.
• Entry is free, but visitors are asked to book a timed slot in advance. The houses close to visitors during prayer times.
• Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered for everyone, and women wear a headscarf to enter the mosque. Wraps are available at the visitor centre.
• Each house holds a weekly service (Friday at the mosque, Saturday at the synagogue, Sunday at the church), when access to that house may be limited. Photography without flash is allowed, but do not photograph people who are praying.

How to talk about belief respectfully

• Ask, do not assume: 'Would you mind telling me what Diwali means to your family?' is better than guessing or stereotyping.
• Listen to understand, not to win. A conversation about belief is not a debate you need to score points in.
• Use people's own words for their faith, practices and festivals, and ask how to pronounce names you do not know.
• Avoid jokes, memes or comments that mock any religion or people who have no religion, including in group chats. What feels like banter can hurt deeply and may break school rules or the law.
• If you are asked about your own beliefs and do not want to discuss them, a polite 'That's quite personal to me, but I'm happy to talk about something else' is fine.

Everyday respect in a multi-faith community

• Be considerate during religious seasons, such as Ramadan, Christmas, Diwali or Passover. The Emirati Etiquette module covers Ramadan etiquette in detail.
• When planning events with friends, check for food needs (for example halal, vegetarian or kosher) and prayer times.
• Greet people for their festivals if you know them, for example 'Eid Mubarak' or 'Happy Diwali'. A simple, sincere greeting is always welcome.
• When you move abroad for university, you may find yourself in a minority for the first time, or meet people with no religious background. The same skills of curiosity and respect apply both ways.
• Many universities have multi-faith chaplaincies or prayer rooms. Look these up before you arrive if they matter to you.