A UAE-based Christian expat is offering daily iftars to around 800 Muslim workers in the Emirates.
Indian businessman Saji Cheriyan was named "ambassador of peace and tolerance" when he ordered the construction of a mosque for the community of Muslim expats in Fujairah last Ramadan. Called Mariam, Um Eissa (Mary, Mother of Jesus), the 1.3 million-dirham ($353,905) mosque accommodates 250 worshipers, with hundreds more able to pray in the courtyard.
The meals are being offered at the convention centre that's part of the mosque, where workers and senior employees alike meet daily to break their fast.
"I have enough money to lead a decent life. There is no point in keeping a big balance in my account. I am not going to carry anything with me when I die. The contentment I get by doing this is something special. It is priceless," Cheriyan told Gulf News.
Several philanthropists offered financial help to grow the project, but the Indian businessman turned them down, as reported by the National.
"I owe a lot to this land. We need to appreciate them for the way they have accepted people of different countries and religions. Many Arabs have been calling me to appreciate. People having iftar here remember me and my family in their prayers," he emphasized.
The businessman isn't just helping out those in need, but also embraces the spirit of Ramadan by fasting along the Muslim community and breaking his fast with them over iftar. He's been fasting for 13 years now.
Keeping an eye for detail, Cheriyan makes sure to diversify the meals so that those in attendance don't get "bored."
"I have made arrangements to offer different types of biryani so that they don't get bored eating the same dish every iftar. I know what it means for someone who earns Dh800-Dh1000," he said.
Those taking part of the iftars speak highly of Cheriyan and his good work.
"The world needs people like him. If there are no people like him, the world will end. We are praying for him. Allah will bless him," Pakistani bus driver Abdul Qayum told Gulf News.
Vajas Abdul Wahid, an Indian assistant manager who works at a company in the area, said "There are employees of more than 50 companies living in this area. Senior employees and labourers are staying in separate accommodations. But, when we come here, we are all equal. We pray and have iftar together."
The UAE has been serious about promoting coexistence and tolerance
In 2015, an anti-discrimination law was passed in the Emirates in an effort to prevent any behavior that could potentially spread discrimination within the community. Under the law, any act that triggers religious hatred "through any form of expression, which covers speech and the written word, books, pamphlets or online media" is >prohibited.
The UAE is also considered the >first country to have a minister of tolerance, a day (Nov. 16) dubbed "International Day for Tolerance," and a year dedicated to it. In December 2018, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance.
In February 2019, Pope Francis visited the UAE for a 48-hour trip, marking a >historic moment for interfaith relations in the Gulf state.
Since the UAE is home to expats from around the world, many houses of worship are present in different emirates.
There are 40 churches in the country - up from 25 in 2005. There are two Hindu temples in Dubai - to accommodate the roughly 3.3 million Indians in the country - and one Sikh temple. Construction of Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple is also currently underway, and is expected to open its doors in 2020.