Dubai: Islam is a religion of tolerance that promotes moderation in the world, Muslim preachers said during the opening of the Dubai International Peace Convention (DIPC) on Thursday night.

The three-day event is being held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

US speaker Yousuf Estes, a former Christian priest, said humanity is one and so is the message of all prophets, including those revered in Christianity — to worship one God.

DIPC lasts until Saturday at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Speaking earlier during the convention, Zimbabwean motivational preacher Mufti Esmail Menk drew attention to the verses of the Quran that call for harmony and condemn injustice against any religion or people.

On Friday night, huge crowds are expected for a session presented by Dr Zakir Naik, an Indian doctor who is a popular public speaker on Islamic topics.

A number of other speakers are scheduled to talk on the theme of peace and Islam on Friday and Saturday.

The third edition of DIPC is also featuring Mishary Al Efasy, a renowned Quran reciter, and Nouman Ali Khan, the Texas-based CEO of Bayyinah Institute for Arabic and Quranic Studies, among others.

Thursday’s opening began with a Quran recitation by Al Efasy, popular for his moving voice. It was followed by a welcome address by DIPC Chairman Dr Hamad Al Shaibani, who is also chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for World Peace.

Golden opportunity

The award’s value is $1.5 million (around Dh5.5 million) and it will be given to a person or organisation, selected by a specially-appointed jury, “for exemplary contributions to world harmony and inter-faith dialogue.”

Dr Al Shaibani had earlier described the event as “a golden opportunity to accurately highlight Islam’s teachings of peace”.

Apart from inter-faith sessions, there will also be talks — with live English or Arabic translations — on women’s rights, social media and science in relation to Islam.

The event’s third edition includes public activities such as the Intelligent Peace Dome, Science Fair, Friday prayers, a Peace Pledge Campaign, Children’s Corner and the Peace Football Tournament for schools.

A closing ceremony will honour special guests, sponsors and participants of the event. DIPC is being hosted in collaboration with the Dubai-based Al Manar Quran Study Centre.

Highlights of the event can be followed on the Twitter handle @mrawpeace and by using the hashtags #PeacePledge and #DubaiPeace. More details are available on the event website mrawp.gov.ae.

Entry is open to all visitors and free of charge.