From 3-5 February the UAE will host the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church and His Eminence Dr Ahmad At-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif. The landmark occasion marks the first time any Pope has visited the Arabian Peninsula and will incorporate a series of high-profile events in Abu Dhabi - a backdrop for the two religious leaders to discuss the promotion of human fraternity and world peace. This globally significant event is part of the nation’s 2019 Year of Tolerance and reflects the UAE’s position as a global capital for tolerance and humanitarianism.

The Human Fraternity Conference will be held in conjunction with the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church and His Eminence Dr Ahmad At-Tayyeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif to the UAE from 3 to 5 February 2019.

The conference is organized by the Muslim Council of Elders, an independent international organization based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The conference gathers under the same roof prominent religious, intellectual and media personalities from across the world.

The Conference will see four main sessions and nine workshops Principles of Human Fraternity, Common Responsibility to Achieving Human Fraternity, Human Fraternity: Challenges and Opportunities.

Since its establishment in 1971, the UAE has been committed to tolerance and peaceful coexistence. People from all over the world from different religious, creeds and cultural backgrounds have been welcomed to make the country their home.  Its philosophy of nationhood has created a bridge that crosses conflicts and encourages engagement between the different cultures that seek peace, development, cooperation and growth. 

Even before it became a nation, the land within the borders of the modern UAE represent a cultural heritage of tolerance dating back centuries that are based on the true understanding of Islamic principles. It has become recognized as a model for tolerant practices, peace and coexistence which is passed on from generation to generation.

Because of its experience and track record of coexistence - with 200 nationalities living harmoniously within its borders today - the UAE is well qualified to become a global capital of tolerance and human fraternity. A nation that is a launch pad for initiatives aimed at eradicating all evil, malicious and destructive powers from the world.