Building Bridges: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Advances Cultural Diplomacy in Kazakhstan
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre continues to fulfil its role as a beacon of civilisational understanding, forging meaningful connections across continents and cultures. In a significant expansion of its international engagement, the Centre has undertaken a purposeful delegation to the Republic of Kazakhstan, embodying the institution’s commitment to fostering dialogue, understanding and shared learning on the world stage.
Led by H.E. Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of the Centre, the visit forms part of the distinguished “Minarets of Two Capitals” initiative, conducted under the “Jusoor” programme in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in Kazakhstan. This carefully curated exchange represents a continuation of the Centre’s civilisational mission to promote tolerance, coexistence and the renewal of religious discourse through contemporary methodologies.
During the visit, H.E. Dr. Al Obaidli delivered a scholarly paper at Maqsut Narikbayev University, presenting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre’s profound experience and its message of civilisational harmony. The presentation explored how the institution advances tolerance and coexistence whilst adapting religious discourse to resonate with modern sensibilities and contemporary society.
The delegation’s engagement extended beyond academic discourse to encompass a comprehensive series of meetings with distinguished figures and cultural institutions throughout Kazakhstan. A particularly significant encounter brought the delegation together with the Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, providing an invaluable opportunity to explore pathways for cooperation and the mutual exchange of expertise between the two institutions.
The Centre’s commitment to knowledge sharing was further demonstrated through a visit to the Archive of the President of the Republic, where H.E. Dr. Al Obaidli presented a curated collection of treasured publications from the Centre’s library. This gesture of intellectual generosity exemplifies the Centre’s dedication to advancing understanding through the exchange of cultural and scholarly resources, reinforcing bonds of friendship and mutual respect.
