The United Arab Emirates announced today, Tuesday, the establishment of the Regional Center for Coexistence (Manara Center), which will be based in Abu Dhabi. The name "Manara" carries the Arabic word meaning a source of guiding light for those coming from afar. This center will support the values and major initiatives launched by the UAE related to tolerance, coexistence, and the Abrahamic Family House.
The Manara Center was established in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as a principal collaborator in implementing educational and cultural programs that will include establishing relationships with universities across the Middle East and Southeast Asia, to promote peace and prosperity by spreading the values and culture of coexistence through dedicated training courses for university students and young learners.
Ali Al-Naimi, Chairman of the Manara Center, stated, "We are pleased to partner with the Anti-Defamation League, one of the best organizations globally for promoting peace, dispelling stereotypes, and bringing people from all backgrounds together. The Manara Center will be based in our region and for the benefit of our region."
It is noteworthy that the center will have a founding board consisting of senior experts from around the world who have deep expertise in its fields of work. Ali Al-Naimi will lead the Manara Center as Chairman; he is a global leading figure in combating extremism and promoting inclusion, while Jonathan Greenblatt represents the ADL on the board.
Greenblatt mentioned, "The ADL has 100 years of experience in combating the roots of anti-Semitism and hatred in all its forms, and we are honored to be the main partner in providing educational and instructional programs." He noted that the Manara Center comes as a continuation of the progress toward peace and coexistence in the Middle East, building on historical achievements in the region, and expressed his eagerness to continue to unify people in innovative ways in the coming years.
The ADL will work closely with the center's experts to prepare and disseminate comprehensive and tested programs to enhance coexistence, such as:
- Developing educational materials aimed at promoting acceptance of others.
- Engaging students from universities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia in regional conferences, enabling them to visit international educational institutions.
- Direct grassroots community partnerships focusing on university students.
- Research reports with comprehensive data and guidelines for best practices.
- Hosting high-level annual competitions for final presentations in Dubai.
Yousef Man'a Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States, stated, "This center will be a model for the region, reflecting the values shared by the UAE and the United States, including the commitment to promoting peace and coexistence and creating opportunities for the youth of the region."
The first educational programs are scheduled to commence in August 2023.
