Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif: Interfaith Dialogue is Essential for Promoting Coexistence and Peace

The Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies concluded the 2nd International Dialogue of Civilizations & Tolerance Conference 2025, which took place at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center from February 19 to 21, in partnership with local and international institutions dedicated to dialogue and tolerance.

The conference welcomed a distinguished gathering of academics, policymakers, and religious leaders from Israel and worldwide, engaging in discussions on promoting peaceful coexistence and the importance of research collaboration in developing sustainable strategies to address intellectual and cultural challenges.

Dr. Firas Habbal, President of the Emirates Scholar Center and Vice Chancellor of the Board of Trustees, highlighted the conference’s success in attracting over 3,200 participants from 112 countries, representing 36 religious backgrounds and speaking more than 10 languages.

Dr. Fawaz Habbal, President of the Conference, Director General, and Member of the Board of Trustees at the Emirates Scholar Center, emphasized that promoting the values of dialogue and tolerance requires a scientific approach grounded in in depth academic research.

During the event, His Eminence Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community and President of the Druze Religious Council in Israel, delivered a keynote speech in which he emphasized that interfaith dialogue is an essential pillar for fostering mutual understanding and strengthening the values of tolerance.

He noted that modern societies face increasing challenges that necessitate greater academic and intellectual cooperation, calling for developing specialized studies that enhance intercultural dialogue and reinforce the foundations of shared living.

He stated: “Knowledge is the foundation of any genuine efforts aimed at building societies based on mutual understanding and coexistence”.

He remarked: “These numbers reflect the growing significance of academic and religious dialogue in building more tolerant and harmonious societies while reinforcing the role of scientific research in fostering coexistence and mutual understanding”.

Strengthening Research and Academic Cooperation

As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance academic collaboration, the Emirates Scholar Center signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Druze Religious Council. The agreement aims to launch joint research projects between UAE and Israel that support interfaith dialogue and promote values of tolerance and coexistence. Additionally, the agreement includes the organization of academic symposia and research programs to build stronger cultural and religious connections.