Pioneering Projects in Europe

The Islamic Cultural Center of Ireland represents the very first corner stone of AMF’s activities in general, since HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum laid down the foundations of the center in 1996 by planting a symbolic green tree. AMF was launched on that day to serve both Muslim and non-Muslim and the wider humanity everywhere. In fact, the opening of the center has signaled a fresh new start of excellent relations between the government and people of Ireland and their Muslim community. The then-President Mary Robinson made sure she was present herself at the opening ceremony. Now, after 15 years of hard work, the center has truly become an example whether in its services to Irish Muslim or in the role it plays in building positive relations between the Muslim community and the rest of Irish society including the government and the local NGOs. Although the Islamic Cultural Center of Ireland doesn’t pretend to represent the whole Muslim community in the country, it has successfully become a focal point for the authorities and NGOs for everything related to Islam and Muslims in the Irish Republic which consequently led to the development of distinctive relations with almost everybody at all levels over the past 15 years. It was helpful in this regard that the center had a series of activities which reflected deep understanding of the Irish community, and the needs of Irish Muslim as well as what is needed for a successful cultural coexistence. Furthermore, the center has enjoyed ever since its opening a special interest by various officials and dignitaries, including the President, the Prime Minister and several Cabinet members. Thanks to its peaceful practice of coexistence between faiths, the center has also been successful in building fruitful relations with the Irish Churches through continuous dialogue and exchange of visits over the past 15 years. In particular, the center has been active in inter-faith dialogue where common issues are discussed in a manner that serves mankind and promotes international peace.

The agreement to establish College for Arabic and Islamic Studies in the University of Abertay Dundee, Scotland, was signed on 24th October 2000 and the College was officially opened on 6th May 2002 under the Royal Patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum who was welcome to the city of Dundee by both city officials and community representatives. The city of Dundee celebrated the opening of the College as a remarkable moment to highlight the city’s role as a bridge between Scotland and the Islamic world.

Scholars and thinkers for the University of Abertay also praised the step saying it represent a huge move ahead in terms of intercultural dialogue and the progress of the Arab-West mutual  understanding. The College aims as improving the image of the Arabs and Muslims in the Western eye in view of the many misconceptions about Islam and the lack of research efforts that highlight the true moderate nature of Islam.

In December 2010, AMF inaugurated the Islamic Center of Rotterdam, Holland which is considered one of the distinctive Muslim   architectural landmarks in Europe. Built after an agreement was reached between AMF and the City of Rotterdam, the center serves Danish Muslims as well as Arab and Muslim expats. It also helps extend cultural bridges between Muslim and Northwest Europe and to educate the public about Islam as a faith, culture and civilization.

The building contains a Masjid in the first and mezzanine floors with a capacity of 2500 male worshippers, a prayer hall for women and a library in the second floor.

The ground floor hosts a conference hall and a restaurant. Construction of the landmark commenced in October 2003.