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The President of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Luis Abinader, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Rinso Antonio, the Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to the UAE, and an official delegation. The visit highlighted the mosque’s role as a cultural bridge between nations and its message of tolerance and coexistence.
During the tour, President Abinader and the accompanying delegation explored the mosque’s halls and exterior corridors. According to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, they were briefed on the mosque’s founding history and its civilizational message promoting coexistence, tolerance, and openness to others, inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Cultural Exchange at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Shaimaa Al Kindi, a cultural tour specialist at the center, provided the President and his delegation with detailed explanations about the mosque’s aesthetic beauty and the exquisite Islamic architectural arts displayed throughout its various sections. The presentation emphasized how different artistic and architectural designs from Islamic civilization across the centuries converged in the mosque’s design, reflecting the harmonious integration of diverse cultures in one creative masterpiece.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque serves as a significant platform for introducing the tolerant teachings of Islamic culture and enhancing civilizational communication between cultures and peoples around the world. The center plays a vital role in promoting interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding through guided tours and educational programs.
Honoring the Founder’s Legacy
President Abinader and the delegation also visited the resting place of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. During this portion of the visit, they reflected on his enduring legacy and wise approach, which established the foundations of tolerance, coexistence, and peace among different peoples of the world.
The late Sheikh Zayed’s vision continues to influence the UAE’s diplomatic relations and cultural outreach initiatives. His commitment to building bridges between nations remains a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy and cultural exchanges with countries across Latin America and beyond.
Commemorative Gifts Mark Presidential Visit
At the conclusion of the visit, President Abinader received commemorative gifts reflecting the mosque’s distinctive features. The presents included a memento showcasing the mosque’s aesthetic beauty and a compass inspired by the design of the mosque’s chandeliers, according to the center’s statement.
Additionally, the Dominican President was presented with a copy of the book “Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Flow of Peace.” The publication highlights the mosque’s unique architectural art and takes readers on a photographic journey to discover the beauty of its architectural and engineering design through award-winning images from the “Spaces of Light” photography competition.
Strengthening UAE-Dominican Relations
The presidential visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque underscores the growing diplomatic and cultural ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Dominican Republic. Such high-level cultural exchanges contribute to mutual understanding and cooperation between the two nations across various sectors.
The mosque regularly hosts dignitaries and officials from around the world, serving as a symbol of the UAE’s commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and cultural dialogue. These visits facilitate meaningful conversations about shared values and common goals in an increasingly interconnected world.
While no official statements have been released regarding specific agreements or future collaborative initiatives between the two countries following this visit, diplomatic sources suggest that cultural and educational partnerships may be explored in the coming months. The visit is expected to pave the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation in tourism and cultural preservation sectors.
