20-03-2025
Dubai: Non-Muslims experience 'true interfaith unity' at Gurudwara iftar; hope for global peace
Ginny Ahluwalia from Maryland, US, was visiting Dubai for the first time on a one-day stopover, when she was captivated by the interfaith iftar at Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara — something she had never encountered before.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on Wednesday at the interfaith iftar held at the Gurudwara, she expressed her awe. "I feel like I'm in heaven. This has been the highlight of my trip to Dubai. We were on our way back to the US from India and took advantage of Emirates' transit visa for a short stopover. Since we had friends here, we thought, why not meet them? I wanted to see the Burj Khalifa and visit the Gurudwara, which I had heard so much about."
'True interfaith unity'
Ahluwalia recounted her experience, saying, 'I was at the Diwan Hall to pray this morning when I met Dr Surender Singh Kandhari, the chairman of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara whom I had briefly encountered in Maryland. He invited me to this iftar, and when I told my husband, we decided to come."
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"This is simply mesmerizing… I could cry. To witness Ramadan being observed at a Gurudwara alongside Hindu and Christian brothers from different nationalities, this is true interfaith unity. I have never seen anything like this in India or the US. I just knew I had to be here today," she added.
In line with the UAE's values of religious freedom, tolerance, and harmonious coexistence, over 250 people took part in the annual interfaith iftar at the Gurudwara on Wednesday.
The gathering fostered unity and the sharing of blessings during the holy month.
'Rising above hatred, challenges, differences'
Prominent Emirati figure and former diplomat Mirza Al Sayegh emphasised the importance of unity across diverse religious spaces, 'It is a great honor to be in a Gurudwara, temple, church, or mosque — places where everyone comes together as one.
'At this Gurudwara, the leaders organise an Iftar every Ramadan, demonstrating the deep integration of people from diverse backgrounds. This is exactly what we need today — a society where we rise above hatred, challenges, and differences. Name one religion that does not advocate for tolerance and love?
'Religion is about peace, prosperity, tolerance, and understanding. Even in the Quran, I can point to more than ten verses that emphasise these values.'
He further noted that Dubai and the UAE have long been centres of coexistence and mutual respect.
'Under its visionary leadership, Dubai actively fosters cultural and national unity. With 208 nationalities living and working here, people are free to earn, send money home, and build their lives — within the framework of the law. At its core, it's about love and respect. Every culture and religion has its own identity, and we must honor that. This is exactly what the Gurudwara is doing today,' Al Sayegh added.
Celebrating humanity
Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India in Dubai, reflected on the diverse faiths and nationalities present at the event, a common sight at the Gurudwara every year.
He said, 'It is such a pleasure to join everyone at the Gurudwara for this iftar. As we all know this is the 13 th year that Gurunanak Darbar is hosting the iftar. It is an important part of the Ramadan calendar, especially in a city where people from diverse faiths come together and celebrate humanity as a whole. We all know that the UAE is the torch bearer of inclusivity and tolerance. Ramadan is the time when this spirit comes out to the fore in the best possible way and I congratulate the GuruNanak Darbar for organising this and being the torch bearer of inclusivity.'
Bubbles Kandhari, Vice-Chairperson of Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, Dubai, stressed that in a world often divided by differences, moments of unity stand out as beacons of hope.
'Many VIPs from the country and visitors from around the world have been here. While they didn't come specifically for this event, they happened to be in town. One guest from America was only here for a day, yet chose to spend their evening at this gathering, valuing it more than simply exploring the city. That was truly touching.' she said.
'The atmosphere has been uplifting, with people from different communities — Sikhs, Muslims, and Christians — coming together and intermingling. It was a beautiful display of inclusivity and shared love, something we hope to extend to the world at large. If we take what's happening here and imagine it on a global scale, it becomes clear that this is what the world needs," she added.
Beautiful to be united
Similarly, Lyle Ashby, Special Service Representative for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Al Ain, noted that global conflicts stem from the inability to recognise the blessings that come from connecting with others from diverse backgrounds.
'I am very grateful to be living in the UAE, and I love the fact that I feel safe among so many different people. It is so wonderful to feel like we are all children of God and we can enjoy each other's company, and I think the youth of today need to realise that the diversity of people, religion and ethnic backgrounds…it is one of the greatest things God has ever given us. I strongly believe that God wants us to love everyone, and living in the UAE gives you one of the greatest opportunities I have ever witnessed," said Lyle.
'The fighting and war I believe sometimes, is because of pride. Only if people learn to accept each other and let go of their pride, the world would be so beautiful,' added Ashby.
St. Mary's Catholic Church Dubai shared a similar message: 'It's wonderful to be united, to share with one another, and to live in peace and cooperation. This is truly beneficial for humanity and we should always stand together.'
