More than 3,600 people converted to Islam in Dubai in the first half of 2025, while hundreds more engaged with Islamic educational programmes and interactive initiatives, reflecting the growing impact of the city’s cultural outreach efforts.
Prominent conversions and engagements in H1 2025
The Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Islamic Culture, under the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) in Dubai, recorded a significant increase in conversions to Islam between January and June 2025. A total of more than 3,600 individuals embraced Islam during this six-month period. In addition to the conversions, the Centre saw over 1,300 students enroll in its various educational programmes. These initiatives are designed to provide structured learning about Islamic principles and practices. Furthermore, the Centre held 47 knowledge and awareness courses, benefiting more than 1,400 participants. These sessions were part of its broader educational efforts aimed at promoting values rooted in tolerance, cultural understanding, and religious knowledge. Another key outreach initiative, the “Sustainable Knowledge Room”, reached over 190 beneficiaries. This immersive, technology-integrated educational space was created to enhance learning through interactive experiences. The Centre’s Director, Jassim Al Khazraji, emphasized the comprehensive mission of the institution, which goes beyond education to foster intercultural dialogue. “We work within a comprehensive vision aimed at building bridges of cultural and religious communication and presenting a bright image of Islam based on tolerance, knowledge, and dialogue, grounded in well-studied academic standards that meet the needs of new converts and those interested in Islamic culture alike,” he stated.
The role and vision of IACAD
The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) is the governing authority behind Islamic and charitable efforts in Dubai. Established in 1969 by the late ruler HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, IACAD operates with the core objective of fostering religious awareness and Islamic values across the emirate. Its mission spans a wide scope of responsibilities, including:
- Providing fatwa (religious rulings) guidance
- Printing and distribution of the Holy Quran and Islamic literature
- Organising Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages
- Translating religious texts
- Issuing licenses to Islamic religious teachers
The Department also manages mosques across Dubai in collaboration with the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Department, ensuring religious services are conducted according to high standards of integrity and community engagement.IACAD also offers a range of digital services through its official website, including:
- Online religious enquiries
- Guidance for new Muslims
- A directory of all mosques in Dubai
- Prayer timings and Islamic holiday schedules
- Accreditation details for charitable organizations operating in Dubai
Regulatory framework and expanding mandate
Under Law No. (2) of 2011, IACAD was formally restructured to define its comprehensive policy-making and regulatory functions. The department’s expanded remit includes:
- Developing general policies for Islamic and charitable work in Dubai
- Supervising production and distribution of religious recordings and publications
- Authorising educational curricula related to Islamic studies
- Preparing and approving the Hijri calendar
- Issuing licenses for:
- Charitable societies
- Quran memorization centers
- Islamic institutions and research bodies
- Religious events, seminars, and exhibitions
In its supervisory role, IACAD oversees both administrative and financial aspects of licensed entities. The Department also coordinates Hajj and Umrah travel logistics in partnership with relevant UAE authorities. Additionally, it is responsible for managing the fatwa system, promoting Zakat awareness, and ensuring donations are used appropriately and legally. The Department’s evolution began with its founding as the Department of Endowments on October 24, 1969, later formalised under Law No. (7) of 1994, and ultimately defined under the current legislation in 2011. Its mandate today rests on three foundational pillars: charitable work, Islamic affairs, and mosque supervision.
Innovation in Islamic learning: The Sustainable Knowledge Room
Among IACAD’s most notable educational innovations is the Sustainable Knowledge Room, housed at the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Islamic Culture. This project represents a modern rethinking of how Islamic knowledge is delivered, using immersive technologies to enhance accessibility and engagement. Designed as a 360-degree interactive virtual environment, the Sustainable Knowledge Room allows participants to enter a fully immersive learning journey. The room integrates advanced educational tools with curated Islamic content, offering a multisensory approach to learning. Users are not passive recipients; they experience the material as active participants, enhancing retention and impact. The Room is designed to cater to diverse audiences and age groups, with flexible applications that include:
- Educational workshops
- Training sessions
- Religious events
Its purpose is to turn abstract knowledge into tangible experiences, making religious education more engaging, relevant, and accessible for all.
