Latest news with #MuslimCouncilofElders'
Gulf Today
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Muslim Council of Elders' Pavilion wins award
The Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion at the America International Arabic Book, Culture, and Arts Expo 2025 has been honoured with the Outstanding Partnership Award in recognition of its impactful contribution to promoting civilisational dialogue and showcasing Islamic cultural heritage. The event was held at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Centre in Dearborn, Michigan, from May 1-4, 2025. The organisers of the fair expressed their appreciation for the Council's active participation, highlighting its significant role in enriching the Expo's programme and fostering unity among Dearborn's diverse communities. They noted that the Council's thought-provoking seminars, alongside its dynamic cultural pavilion, stood out as inspiring and memorable features of the event. In acknowledgment of these efforts, the pavilion was awarded the Outstanding Partnership Award. The Council participated in the inaugural edition of Expo 2025 with more than 250 intellectual and cultural publications, as well as a series of panel discussions addressing key topics such as Islamophobia and the importance of intra-Islamic dialogue. This engagement aligns with the Council's mission to promote peace and advance the values of dialogue, tolerance, and human coexistence. Recently, as part of its cultural and intellectual programme at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion hosted a seminar titled 'Dialogue and Coexistence in Islamic Heritage: Firm Foundations and Lasting Values.' The seminar featured Counsellor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Zaher, Legal Counsellor at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Professor of Law at Cairo University; Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam of His Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House; Professor Zikrur Rahman, Founder and Director of the Indian Arab Cultural Centre; and Dr. Mohand Mechenene, Professor at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. Opening the seminar, Dr. Mahmoud Najah affirmed that Islam speaks to reason and acknowledges diversity—both of which are core principles of the Islamic faith. WAM
Bahrain News Gazette
05-05-2025
- Business
- Bahrain News Gazette
Muslim Council Elders Highlight AI Ethics at Abu Dhabi Book Fair
Abu Dhabi: As part of its cultural and intellectual programme at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion hosted a seminar titled 'Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Usage,' presented by Dr. Mohamed Abdulzaher, CEO of the Artificial Intelligence Journalism Foundation for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF). According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Abdulzaher emphasised the urgent need to establish clear ethical and legislative frameworks for AI technologies, tools, and applications to ensure responsible use and safeguard individual privacy. Dr. Abdulzaher noted that AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini represent just a drop in the ocean of AI advancements, explaining that the number of AI-based applications surged from approximately 35,000 in 2018 to 50,000 in 2024, with projections exceeding one million applications by the end of 2025. He further clarified the critical distinction between a 'tool' and an 'application,' pointing out that tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini serve as implementation mechanisms, while applications refer to integrated AI systems functioning within complete environments. Given this rapid expansion, he stressed the necessity of developing robust ethical standards, warning that unregulated usage could pose risks to individuals and society, particularly as companies race to offer faster and more precise AI-powered services. The AIJRF's CEO also called on journalists and media institutions to assume their responsibility by disclosing when AI is used in content production. The Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a selection of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing.
See - Sada Elbalad
05-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
'Dialogue, Coexistence in Islamic Heritage.. Seminar at Abu Dhabi Book Fair
Mohamed Mandour As part of its cultural and intellectual program at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion hosted a seminar titled 'Dialogue and Coexistence in Islamic Heritage: Firm Foundations and Lasting Values.' The seminar featured Counsellor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Zaher, Legal Counsellor at the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department and Professor of Law at Cairo University; Dr. Mahmoud Najah, Imam of His Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House; Professor Zikrur Rahman, Founder and Director of the Indian Arab Cultural Centre; and Dr. Mohand Mechenene, Professor at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. Opening the seminar, Dr. Mahmoud Najah affirmed that Islam, as the religion divinely chosen for His servants, speaks to reason and acknowledges diversity—both of which are core principles of the Islamic faith. He pointed out that terms such as understanding, contemplation, and reasoning appear over 120 times in the Quran, underscoring Islam's nature as a faith grounded in dialogue and persuasion. He referenced historical examples such as the Constitution of Medina and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah to illustrate how the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) practiced dialogue throughout his mission. Dr. Najah expressed concern over certain platforms that unintentionally misrepresent Islam by promoting distorted messages that contradict its essence. For his part, Professor Zikrur Rahman highlighted India's remarkable religious and linguistic diversity as a divine sign encouraging dialogue and mutual understanding. He noted that India is home to a wide array of religions—including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Christianity, and Islam—whose followers live together in harmony. He added that India has witnessed growing momentum in promoting peaceful coexistence based on security, well-being, and justice. Professor Zikrur Rahman also commended the Muslim Council of Elders' participation in the New Delhi International Book Fair, where the Council's publications attracted significant attention from India's diverse communities, who are eager to engage with works that reflect Islam's message of dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence. Counsellor Dr. Ahmed Abdel Zaher praised the UAE's issuance of a pioneering law to combat discrimination and hate speech, stating: 'The UAE is the only Arab country that has criminalized takfir (excommunication), making it a punishable offense to label others as disbelievers.' He revealed that a new legislative proposal is currently being developed, aiming to uphold the principles of human fraternity—namely, equality among all people, respect for religious pluralism, righteousness and justice, the principle that one's faith is a personal responsibility, respect for other religions, and the rejection of mockery or insult. In his remarks, Dr. Mohand Mechenene expressed deep appreciation for the efforts of the Muslim Council of Elders in promoting dialogue, coexistence, and peace. He emphasized that dialogue must be grounded in the principle of human dignity, which is a shared value across all religions and philosophies. He also stressed the importance of fostering a culture of tolerance, mutual respect, and acceptance—especially in light of the growing prevalence of hate speech, extremism, and Islamophobia in today's world. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
See - Sada Elbalad
05-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Media and Promotion of Culture of Understanding .. Seminar at Abu Dhabi Book Fair
Mohamed Mandour As part of its cultural and intellectual program at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion hosted a seminar titled 'Media and the Promotion of a Culture of Understanding and Dialogue.' The seminar featured Mr. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), and Mr. Abdel Latif El Menawy, journalist and writer. The speakers emphasized the importance of upholding media ethics and cultivating responsible discourse rooted in the values of tolerance and coexistence—particularly in light of the growing challenges posed by the dissemination of hate speech across both traditional and digital media platforms. Opening the seminar, Mr. Mohamed Al Hammadi stated, 'Today, we are fully aware of the importance of media and its unprecedented influence in shaping public opinion, especially in this era of rapid technological advancement.' He added, 'Words are not merely means of expression—they are a responsibility. A single word can incite conflict or build awareness and peace. Therefore, those who choose to work in the media must recognize that they bear a growing human and national responsibility.' Al Hammadi noted that the greatest challenge in countering hate speech does not lie solely within traditional media institutions such as television and newspapers, but rather in the vast online space, which remains open to millions of users without clear professional or ethical guidelines. He stressed that the media professional's duty is to stand against waves of misinformation and negativity by promoting truth and reinforcing a sense of responsibility. He further affirmed that 'UAE media presents a unique model, characterized by its commitment to spreading a positive discourse that reflects the spirit of tolerance upheld by the wise leadership, and that fosters dialogue and unity without discrimination between members of society, regardless of their nationality or religion.' He added that media is a vital tool for building bridges of communication among people and cultivating a culture of moderation, and that the public's engagement with media content is the true measure of a writer or journalist's success in delivering their message. For his part, journalist Abdel Latif El Menawy explained that with the evolution of communication tools, every individual today has become a content creator and influencer. The power of words has multiplied, and the public sphere is now accessible to all. 'In this context,' he said, 'we must work to ensure that words become a common ground for understanding—not a tool for incitement and division.' El Menawy commended the Muslim Council of Elders for its efforts in advancing a culture of understanding and dialogue, citing the Document on Human Fraternity signed by the late Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. He remarked, 'This historic document could not have been created without the profound human and spiritual qualities of both signatories. It is one of the most important documents of modern times and deserves effective mechanisms to ensure its global implementation and sustainability.' He concluded by stating that media is not a magical instrument but rather a reflection of societal awareness. It has a direct influence on shaping beliefs, and we urgently need to spread positive narratives, institutionalize models of dialogue, and support initiatives like the Document on Human Fraternity across all environments—even those that appear resistant or closed to the other. The Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a selection of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing. These works address some of the most pressing intellectual and cultural issues of our time and reflect the Council's mission to promote peace, foster dialogue, and instill the values of tolerance and human fraternity. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Bouchra Dahlab Crowned Miss Arab World 2025 .. Reem Ganzoury Wins Miss Arab Africa Title (VIDEO) Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple
Al Etihad
04-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Ethics of AI usage discussed at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
4 May 2025 12:06 ABU DHABI (WAM)As part of its cultural and intellectual programme at the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion hosted a seminar titled 'Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Usage,' presented by Dr. Mohamed Abdulzaher, CEO of the Artificial Intelligence Journalism Foundation for Research and Forecasting (AIJRF).At the start of the session, Dr. Abdulzaher emphasised the urgent need to establish clear ethical and legislative frameworks for AI technologies, tools, and applications to ensure responsible use and safeguard individual Abdulzaher noted that AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini represent just a drop in the ocean of AI advancements, explaining that the number of AI-based applications surged from approximately 35,000 in 2018 to 50,000 in 2024, with projections exceeding one million applications by the end of further clarified the critical distinction between a 'tool' and an 'application,' pointing out that tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini serve as implementation mechanisms, while applications refer to integrated AI systems functioning within complete environments. Given this rapid expansion, he stressed the necessity of developing robust ethical standards, warning that unregulated usage could pose risks to individuals and society, particularly as companies race to offer faster and more precise AI-powered AIJRF's CEO also called on journalists and media institutions to assume their responsibility by disclosing when AI is used in content production. He underscored the vital role of legislative bodies in enacting laws and monitoring the use of these technologies across both public and private sectors. 'AI is not a substitute for human beings,' he affirmed. 'It should be viewed as a tool that enhances human performance.'Dr. Abdulzaher continued: 'There are no jobs at risk from AI—only individuals who are at risk because they have not upgraded their skills.' He pointed out that AI tools are currently utilized in over 50 million jobs worldwide, generating significant economic concluded with a call for conscious and responsible technology use, remarking, 'AI is a powerful tool, but it cannot replace the human mind. We must learn to master it, not surrender to it.' The Muslim Council of Elders' pavilion at the 2025 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features more than 250 diverse intellectual and cultural publications, including a selection of the latest releases from Al-Hokama Publishing.
