Sheikh Mohammed calls for world peace

Tolerance and security were the words of the hour as the Dubai International Peace Convention (DIPC) initiative was announced earlier today under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Announcing more on the convention, which runs at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 12 until 14, was Dr Hamad bin Al Sheikh Ahmad Al Shibani, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award and Dr Omar Al Khatib, Chairman of the DIPC.

Noted Islamic dignitaries will be seen speaking at the event, including Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Sudais, Imam of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, who will be the chief guest and lead the Friday prayers on April 13.

The holy Quran reciter Sheikh Mishary Rashid Al Afasy will also be attending, along with UK's Abdul Rahim Green, Dr Zakir Naik from India, Tawfique Chaudhary from Australian, among several others.

This year's DIPC will pick where the first edition left off, addressing the issues that have occurred over the years due to misconceptions of Islam.

The convention will move forward in its second edition by focussing on building relationships and developing a greater understanding among communities on a global platform.

Over the three days, DIPC will also play host to a peace exhibition that focuses on the relationship between religion, science, education and work.

A gargantuan task some may say to get a global initiative going, but the DIPC initiative is expected to get the ball rolling on building international cooperation through constructive dialogue that belies freedom, justice and equality.

In 2010, over 100,000 visitors attended the event, which the organisers said underlined the importance of global peace.

This year's numbers are expected to rise even further, along with a halal bazaar, a children's corner and workshops for all.

For more information, log on to Peaceconvention.com

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