As part of the efforts to promote nationalization in the mosque services sector, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai announced the receipt of more than 2,745 applications in response to the "localization of the Minbar" initiative during 2024. This reflects the interaction and interest of citizens in contributing to this vital sector. IACAD achieved a significant leap in nationalizing the positions of preacher, imam, and muezzin, raising the nationalization rate in these positions to 9% by the end of 2024.
His Excellency Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director-General of IACAD, said that the Nationalization of the Minbar initiative is a national message aimed at promoting religious and community values through young, qualified national talents specializing in the Quran, its sciences, rhetoric, and jurisprudence. This initiative represents an opportunity to attract youth and strengthen their role in instilling Islamic values.
H.E added that the initiative was implemented in response to the guidance of the leadership to empower young national cadres in all fields, including the religious sector, to enhance the country's global standing in spreading Islamic and humanitarian values. Director-General of IACAD emphasized that IACAD is committed to providing equal opportunities and specialized programs that enable everyone to contribute effectively to achieving this noble national goal.
For her part, Ousha Ahmed Obaid, Acting Director of the Human Resources Department, confirmed that the large turnout of citizens to join the "localization of the Minbar" initiative reflects their great trust in IACAD and its innovative programs that contribute to developing their skills and qualifying them to be influential in the fields of preaching and guidance.
Obaid pointed out that IACAD provides a comprehensive training system that meets their needs and enables them to develop their potential to become leaders in spreading the noble Islamic values.