Embrace Islam in UAE with these guidelines

Dubai - The Abu Dhabi eGovernment portal has listed out some steps targeting those considering Islam

Hordes of people from different religions come to work in the UAE and many of them are keen on embracing Islam. However, most are unaware about the right steps to be followed in order to convert to Islam in the UAE. 
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world and is set to overtake Christianity and become the world's dominant religion by 2070, according to a study. The number of Muslims will grow more than twice as fast as the world's population from now until 2050, the Pew Research Centre has said.
The new report explores changes from 2010 to 2050 in size and distribution of Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, folk religions, other religions and the unaffiliated.

While the world's population is projected to grow 35 per cent before the middle of the century, the number of Muslims is expected to increase by 73 per cent - from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 2.8 billion.
By 2050, Muslims will be nearly as numerous as Christians, who are projected to remain the world's largest religious group at 31.4 per cent of the global population till then.
Read: Significance of the fifth pillar of Islam

Becoming a Muslim in the UAE
Muslim converts is a rapidly growing community, with more than 1,500 embracing the faith every year in the UAE, according to official statistics. The Abu Dhabi eGovernment portal has listed out some guidelines as to how to become a Muslim. It is targeted at those considering Islam. Visitors and residents can easily embrace the Islamic faith in the UAE, and new Muslims are supported in a variety of ways. 
Here are the steps: 
Learning about Islam
If you are interested in knowing more about Islam, or have questions that need to be discussed or answered, you may visit the Zayed House for Islamic Culture which offers free guidance sessions in Arabic, English, Tagalog, Russian, Hindi, Chinese and Ethiopian.
Embracing Islam
After deciding to embrace Islam, applicants must utter the faith testimony (Shahadatain) and document this by obtaining an Embracing Islam certificate through Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
Steps for Announcement of Embracing Islam include:
1. Visiting the Embracing Islam section at the Judicial Department, and submitting the required documents.
2. Declaring conversion to Islam by uttering the faith testimony (Shahadatain).
3. Signing the certificate by the in-charge of the Embracing Islam section. 4. Attestation and signing of the certificate by the judge.
5. Stamping of the certificate by the in-charge of the Embracing Islam Section.
6. Receiving the Embracing Islam certificate.
You can declare your conversion to Islam by uttering the faith testimony (Shahadatain) at the Zayed House for Islamic Culture and receive a declaration of Islam letter. This will facilitate the process above of issuance of the Embracing Islam certificate at the Judicial Department.
Other Conditions
If you are already a Muslim and want to issue the official document, you may obtain the Islam Embracing Certificate from the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department. For those who want to declare that they are Muslims from Muslim parents or for Muslim guardians who want their minor children to follow their religion officially, please visit the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.
Practicing as a new Muslim
The Zayed House of Islamic Culture offers a number of educational and training courses to introduce new Muslims to the principles and obligations of Islam, including: 
. Learning the Arabic language 
. Studying the holy Quran 
. Rules of Prayer and Purification.
First Level: elementary stage
The goal of this course is to introduce you to the main principles of being a Muslim, including studying Aqeedah (Islamic creed), the rules of prayer and Taharah (purification) and Ibadat (acts of worship), explanations of the five pillars of Islam and the six articles of faith.
Second Level: intermediate stage
This course promotes further knowledge of Islam through the study of selected chapters of the Qur'an and some hadiths of Prophet Mohammed that contribute to building your character as a new Muslim. You may also find answers to your queries that accompany personal growth in Islam through the study of Fiqh (rules of Islamic jurisprudence). This course also includes an introduction to the life of Prophet Mohammed.
Third Level: advanced stage
The objective of this course is to integrate you into society through further study of the Qur'an and hadiths, Islamic culture and etiquette, and an introduction to the Prophet's biography.
The Zayed House of Islamic Culture offers students who complete all three levels an opportunity to go on Hajj or Umra.
Other activities
Zayed House of Islamic Culture runs several courses and activities that are designed to improve your skills, and fulfill your social and psychological needs including: 
. International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) course
. Social and psychological support group
. Recreational and educational trips
. Sports activities
The Abu Dhabi Judiciary Department hosts a public lecture for new Muslims every Wednesday at 12 noon.
Useful links:

* Declaration of embracing Islam - Judicial Department - the emirate of Abu Dhabi
* Apply online to convert to Islam - Dubai Courts