In line with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and in support of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department’s (IACAD) strategy to be "closer to the community," IACAD has launched the initiative "Neighborhood Service Centers." This initiative aims to enhance community presence and highlight the role of mosques as centers for social interaction and engagement. Through regular on-site meetings, the initiative seeks to bring mosque staff together with worshippers, helping to build direct bridges of communication, introduce IACAD’s services, and gather community feedback to improve the programs and services offered in mosques.
This step aligns with the vision of the leadership to strengthen the concept of community participation and activate the role of government institutions in listening to citizens and residents, thereby enhancing the religious and cultural quality of life for all segments of society in Dubai.
The initiative’s gatherings aim to involve mosque-goers in the development of service frameworks, especially in areas such as religious lessons and Qur’an memorization circles. By providing a platform for direct suggestions and feedback to initiative officials, the goal is to improve service quality and meet worshippers’ expectations.
In this context, Ahmed Mohammed Al-Badwawi, Head of Mosque Staff Affairs section and the official in charge of the initiative, affirmed that launching the "Neighborhood Service Centers" reflects IACAD’s direction toward making mosques vibrant, interactive community hubs. He noted that these field meetings allow for direct listening and response to worshippers’ needs.
He added, “Through this initiative, we are working to open dynamic channels of communication between mosque administrations and their attendees, fostering a culture of participation and transforming the mosque into an influential community platform that engages, evolves, and fulfills the aspirations of its people.”
IACAD calls on all mosque-goers to actively participate and engage in these gatherings, driven by its belief in their role as key partners in developing the mosque’s mission, improving its services, and making it a vibrant point of interaction that reflects the community s aspirations and values