Dubai, UAE – In a remarkable surge that underscores the growing appeal of Islam among diverse global communities, more than 3,600 individuals embraced the Islamic faith in Dubai between January and June 2025. This is according to fresh mid-year statistics released by the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture, a key institution under the Dubai government’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.
The new converts, who hail from various nationalities and cultural backgrounds, took their Shahada – the Islamic declaration of faith – through official channels at the centre, which has become a beacon for religious guidance, interfaith dialogue, and cultural education in the emirate. Officials say this figure reflects not only the city’s cosmopolitan nature but also the effectiveness of sustained outreach and education efforts being carried out by the centre.
Alongside this wave of conversions, the Centre also welcomed over 1,300 students into its structured educational programmes during the same period. These programmes are specially designed to introduce new Muslims to the foundations of Islam, including Quranic studies, Islamic beliefs, and ethics, while also offering language support and tailored counselling to aid smooth transitions into the faith.
Furthermore, the Mohammed bin Rashid Center rolled out 47 cultural and awareness programmes in the first half of the year, drawing in 1,400 participants across various sessions. Many of these engagements aimed at fostering mutual understanding and promoting peaceful coexistence among Dubai’s highly diverse population. In a significant push for sustainable knowledge, 190 individuals also benefitted from the Centre’s ‘Sustainable Knowledge Room’ – an initiative created to offer long-term support and access to educational resources for both converts and curious learners.
Director of the Centre, Mr. Jassim Al Khazraji, explained that the institution’s continued impact is deeply rooted in its commitment to inclusivity and its ability to adapt to the rapidly changing cultural landscape of Dubai. He noted that the high conversion numbers and growing enrolment figures speak volumes about the positive influence of the Centre’s multi-faceted programmes and its dynamic approach to religious education.
As 2025 advances into its final quarter, the Centre is preparing to roll out an expanded curriculum that will include courses focused on family life, social integration, and the use of digital tools for faith-based learning. These upcoming additions are expected to further enhance the Centre’s capacity to support not just new Muslims, but also families and communities seeking to understand Islam in a modern, interconnected world.
With Dubai positioned as a global city that harmoniously balances tradition and innovation, institutions like the Mohammed bin Rashid Center for Islamic Culture continue to play a crucial role in fostering intercultural dialogue and religious understanding, an effort that aligns with the broader vision of the UAE’s leadership to promote tolerance and unity.
