Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah Highlights UAE’s Role as a Global Model of Tolerance at the International Religious Freedom Summit

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Head of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace and Chairman of the UAE Council for Fatwa, underscored the UAE’s pivotal role as a global leader in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence. In his address at the International Religious Freedom Summit (IRF Summit) and the annual National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC, Sheikh bin Bayyah emphasized the country’s commitment to embracing people of all nationalities, faiths, and cultures.

Speaking to an audience that included U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, congressional leaders, and prominent religious freedom advocates, Sheikh bin Bayyah outlined how the UAE, under the guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has fostered an environment of harmony and mutual respect.

The session at the summit also saw Sheikh bin Bayyah highlight the significance of the Marrakesh Declaration, a critical milestone in advancing religious rights in Muslim-majority societies. He described it as a cornerstone for initiatives led by the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace aimed at building bridges and fostering greater religious freedom.

Sheikh bin Bayyah further called on religious and political leaders to unite in support of the “Century of Peace” initiative, a call for global collaboration to promote peace, stability, reconciliation, and coexistence worldwide. He warned that neglecting these efforts would result in a collective loss for humanity, urging leaders to prioritize peace in the pursuit of a more harmonious future.