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Latter-day Saints join with Sikhs to serve in Dubai

Annual tradition in the United Arab Emirates brings two faith communities together

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from across the United Arab Emirates joined the Sikh community in Dubai for an annual tradition of service on Jan. 14 as they distributed 10,000 food kits to workers throughout the city.

The volunteers of all ages worked together at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, the largest Sikh temple in the Gulf region.

Surender Singh Kandhari, the gurudwara chairman, said they are happy to work with the Church of Jesus Christ. “This annual project is a sign of friendship and respect between the two faith communities,” he said. “Year after year, this collaboration reinforces our shared values and commitment to serving humanity.”

Remigio U. Mesina speaks at a pulpit during an interfaith gathering at the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
President Remigio U. Mesina, first counselor in the Abu Dhabi Stake, offers remarks during an interfaith gathering and service project in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. Surender Singh Kandhari, chairman of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, is on the left. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Members of the Church came from different parts of the United Arab Emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai and Sharjah, reported the Church’s Middle East Newsroom. Many served with their families.

The annual initiative has taken place since 2015 — fostering a spirit of cooperation and allowing Latter-day Saints to learn more about other religious traditions. The first counselor in the Abu Dhabi Stake presidency, President Remigio U. Mesina, spoke about the collaborative effort.

“When we serve others together, we are, in reality, serving God. We are continually inspired by the kindness of the Sikh community in this country. Our shared desire is to unite in helping those in need,” he said.

Middle East Newsroom reported that many members of the Church mentioned that they try to participate in the project each year, because it reminds them of the importance of working together with all people of goodwill.

People take photos to remember the annual joint interfaith service project in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
People take photos to remember the annual joint interfaith service project from the Sikh and Latter-day Saint communities in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The UAE has a long commitment to interfaith relationships and mutual respect. Representatives of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Baha’i and others live and worship in the country.

Members of the Church around the world actively participate in community service and interfaith efforts.

In late April 2022, Kandhari and his wife, Bubbles Kandhari, met with the First Presidency and visited Welfare Square in Salt Lake City. While in the U.S., they also toured the Washington D.C. Temple during its open house.

Last year’s service project in Dubai with the two faiths was part of the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara.

Three leaders discuss the details of an interfaith service project in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Surender Singh Kandhari, right, Bubbles Kandhari, left foreground, and President Remigio U. Mesina, center, discuss the details of the interfaith service project in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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