Ministry of Tolerance & Coexistence 2026
UAE Religion & Places of Worship Guide
Official guide to religious freedom in the UAE — Islamic heritage, Christian cathedrals, BAPS Hindu Mandir, Sikh Gurudwara, Abrahamic Family House Synagogue, and Anti-Discrimination laws.
Constitutional Freedom of Worship
Under **Article 32 of the UAE Constitution**, freedom to exercise religious worship is guaranteed in accordance with established customs and public order.
The UAE is a global leader in interfaith harmony, establishing the **Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence** and enacting **Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 against Discrimination and Hatred**.
Islam - Official State Religion of the UAE (~74.5% Population)
| Religious Parameter | Details & Constitutional Protection |
|---|---|
| Faith Overview & Practice | Islam is the official state religion. Friday is a holy day of prayer. The UAE practices Sunni Islam alongside Shiite communities with constitutional guarantees for non-Muslim freedom of worship. |
| Key Houses of Worship in UAE | Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi), Grand Mosque (Dubai), Sharjah Mosque, Al Bidyah Mosque (Fujairah - 1446 AD) |
UAE Anti-Discrimination Law Highlights
- ⚖️ Prohibition of Religious Hatred: Criminal penalties for inciting religious hate speech
- ⚖️ Protection of Holy Books & Places of Worship: Severe fines for defaming religious symbols
- ⚖️ Equality Before Law: Equal protection regardless of race, origin, or religious belief
Religious Demographics Summary (2026)
| 🕌 Islam (Sunni & Shiite) | 74.5% |
| ⛪ Christianity (Catholic/Protestant/Orthodox) | 12.9% |
| 🛕 Hinduism | 6.2% |
| ☸️ Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, & Others | 6.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Islam is the official state religion under Article 7 of the UAE Constitution. Freedom of worship for non-Muslim faiths is guaranteed under Article 32.
BAPS Hindu Mandir (Abu Dhabi), Guru Nanak Gurudwara (Dubai), St. Mary's Catholic Church (Dubai), and Abrahamic Family House (Abu Dhabi).
A dedicated federal ministry promoting interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, and anti-discrimination enforcement.
🕊️ Abrahamic Family House & BAPS Mandir Guide →📊 UAE 7 Emirates Demographics Population Matrix 2026 →
Ministry of Tolerance
• Ministry of Tolerance Portal: tolerance.gov.ae