ABU DHABI, 14th March, 2023 (WAM) — The UAE today announced the launch of the Manara Centre, a regional center for coexistence. Located in Abu Dhabi and named after the Arabic word meaning “source of light”, the center will support the UAE’s core values and initiatives such as the Year of Tolerance and the Abrahamic Family House.
The Manara Center was established with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) as a flagship partner to help deliver important educational programs. Priorities will include building relationships with universities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, promoting peace and prosperity through worldwide coexistence, and providing specialized training for university students and young learners.
The announcement was attended by ADL CEO and Country Director Jonathan Greenblatt, Manara Center Chairman Dr Ali Al Nuaimi and members of the ADL leadership delegation, building on years of close cooperation between the UAE and ADL.
“We are delighted to be partnering with ADL, one of the best organizations in the world that promotes peace, dismantles stereotypes and brings people together from diverse backgrounds,” said Al Nuaimi. “The Manara center will be based in our region and for the benefit of our region.”
With a founding board of leading global experts dedicated to this work, the Center will be led by Dr Al Nuaimi as Chair.
Dr Al Nuaimi is a leading global voice in combating extremism and promoting inclusion. Jonathan Greenblatt will represent ADL on the board.
“ADL has 100 years of expertise in combating the roots of anti-Semitism and hatred in all its forms,” Greenblatt said, noting, “We are honored that ADL is an educator in this incredible effort. “Key player in the programme. The Center is a continuation of the process of peace and coexistence in the Middle East, building on the region’s historic achievements. We look forward to continuing our work in the years to come to bring people together in innovative ways.” “
ADL will work closely with center staff to establish, enhance and deploy a comprehensive and tested plan to facilitate coexistence. Planning will include the development of educational materials designed to promote acceptance; exchanges and meetings of students from various countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia with relevant educational institutions in the region; and person-to-person interactions centered on university students.
The program will also include research reports with comprehensive data and best practice guidelines, as well as a high-profile final speech competition held annually in Abu Dhabi.
“The center will serve as a model for the region, reflecting the shared values of the UAE and the United States, including a commitment to promoting peace and coexistence, as well as creating opportunities for the region’s youth,” said Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the United States.
Once launched, the first educational programs will begin in August 2023.