Abu Dhabi: Setting an example of brotherhood, the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces announced his decision to rechristen a mosque in Al Mushrif, a district in the capital Abu Dhabi, to ‘Mariam, Umm Eisa’ — Arabic for ‘Mary, the mother of Jesus’.

The announcement that came on Wednesday on the occasion of the World Humanitarian Day aims at consolidating bonds of humanity between followers of different religions.

Welcoming the initiative by Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance mentioned that the Highness had shown why UAE is considered to be a tolerant place that allows for peaceful co existence among followers of different religions.

Mohammad Mattar Al Kaabi, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, too expressed his gratitude towards Shaikh Mohammad for this initiative adding that under his rule the UAE has always been keen on tolerance and peaceful coexistence “that is based on justice and brotherliness among all those living in the UAE”.

Earlier this week, probably for the first time in UAE, a church in Al Ain opened its doors for Maghrib prayers. Over 200 Asian Muslim workers offered prayers in the church premises.