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Abu Dhabi church hosts 500 workers for Iftar, Maghrib prayer

Abu Dhabi - The priest said the Iftar gathering and Maghrib prayer were held to create a better relationship with Muslim brothers.

A big banner of 'Year of Tolerance' with images of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Pope Francis welcomes visitors to St Paul's Church in the industrial area of Musaffah. It was a special day at the church as it hosted more than 500 blue-collar workers, mostly Muslims, for the first Iftar gathering and Maghrib prayer led by an imam at its premises.
Father Ani Xavier said that with more than 200 nationalities, the UAE is home to the whole world - and it shows the openness of the leadership. The church, he said, was celebrating the Year of Tolerance by opening its gates to workers.
"This is an important year. The UAE leaders invited Pope Francis and gave him a royal welcome. The pope made a very good relationship with the UAE authorities. We are happy to have an opportunity to host this Iftar in the Year of Tolerance for the workers," Xavier said.
The priest said the Iftar gathering and Maghrib prayer were held to create a better relationship with Muslim brothers.
"We could experience the change. This has helped create a bridge with these brothers. This is a message of unity and brotherhood 
for the whole world. This gathering tells the world that we are brothers and sisters - one God, faith and humanity. We may come from different countries but our blood is red. May Allah bless everyone," Xavier said.
He also expressed their appreciation of the  participation of the Abu Dhabi Municipality and the Abu Dhabi Police.
The officials, in turn, praised the conduct of the event and took part in the prayer that was held inside the premises.
Hundreds of workers of different nationalities were happy to be part of such an event.
"This is the first time for me to get inside a church. It's different but nice," said Muhammad Ashraf, a worker.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com