UAE Islamic affairs delegation takes part in GCC meeting in Bahrain

MANAMA — The chairman of the UAE's General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, led the authority's delegation to the 12th Meeting of GCC Ministers and Officials Responsible for Islamic Affairs and Endowments on Monday, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), as reported by Arab Herald.

Addressing the meeting, Al Darei praised the ties and solidarity among GCC states, according to WAM. He cited their achievements in promoting moderation, tolerance and coexistence, developing religious discourse and improving endowment governance.

WAM quoted Al Darei as saying that the UAE, under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has made significant progress in adopting digital technologies and artificial intelligence. He said these tools were being used to improve endowment management, Quran education and Friday sermons.

Al Darei presented two UAE proposals, according to WAM. The first concerns the role of artificial intelligence in endowment management and investment. The second sets out a methodology for developing a unified religious preaching plan.

He also reaffirmed the UAE's support for endowment-related initiatives proposed by other GCC countries, WAM said. He framed this support as a means of advancing regional development, stability and prosperity.

The report does not say what decisions, if any, the meeting reached. It also gives no response from other delegations and no details of the proposals beyond their titles. Arab Herald's report is based on the WAM statement alone, and no independent confirmation was available.

Background

The GCC, the Gulf Cooperation Council, brings together Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The ministerial meeting on Islamic affairs and endowments is held periodically. This was its 12th meeting, according to WAM. The article was published on 20 October 2026.