President Joko Widodo performs prayer at President Joko Widodo Mosque, Abu Dhabi, Wednesday (07/17)
During his state visit to United Arab Emirates (UAE), President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo visited President Joko Widodo Mosque, Abu Dhabi, Wednesday (07/17). The visit to the mosque was made after President of UAE Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed him at Qasr Al Watan Palace.
President Jokowi arrived at the mosque at around 14.20 local time. He performed sunnah prayer and then, as an imam, led congregational prayers. Among those performing the prayers were Minister for State Secretariat Pratikno, Minister for Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, UAE Minister for Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei, Indonesian Ambassador to UAE Husin Bagis, and UAE Ambassador to Indonesia Abdullah Salem Al Dhaheri. Afterwards, they all prayed together, led by Chairman of General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments Omar Habtoor Al Darei.
“Since it was inaugurated on December 14, 2023, this is the first time President Jokowi visited and performed prayer in the mosque named after him. It is an honor for his contribution in strengthening the bilateral relation between Indonesia and UAE,” Ambassador Husin Bagis said in his written statement.
Furthermore, Ambassador Husin stated that President Jokowi’s visit to the mosque not only reflected a symbol of honor, but it also reflected the friendship and cooperation between both countries. The visit was also expected to increase cooperation in energy and infrastructure sector as well as in promoting a moderate Islam.
“Hopefully, the visit will strengthen the long-standing relationship and give blessings for both nations,” Ambassador Husin expressed hope.
For the record, President Joko Widodo Mosque is located at the diplomatic area of Abu Dhabi, and it can accommodate 2,500 people. It was built on a 3,766 square meter-land and funded by the UAE. The construction was started in November 2021 and completed in October 2023.
President Joko Widodo Mosque has become a symbol of a close relation between Indonesia and UAE following the inauguration of President Joko Widodo Street in Abu Dhabi. It was reciprocated by the construction of Sheikh Zayed Great Mosque in Surakarta and Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Elevated Toll Road. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat/DNS) (AW/LW)
