The aim of the S R Nathan Distinguished Lecture is to provide greater awareness and understanding of the modern Middle East. This lecture provides a forum for statesmen, internationally prominent scholars and public intellectuals to express their views on key issues. The lecture series is named in honour of Singapore’s late former president, Mr S R Nathan, who encouraged a deeper understanding of the Middle East region in Singapore.

HE Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the International Steering Board of Hedayah, the Abu Dhabi-based centre for countering extremism, was this year’s guest speaker of MEI’s flagship event.

Following his tenure as the Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Dr Al Nuaimi was appointed to the Federal National Council, where he served as the Chairman of the Defense, Interior, and Foreign Affairs Committee. Amid the drafting of legislation and the review of international agreements, he was also a key figure in the advancing the Abraham Accords. As a prominent advocate for tolerance and interfaith dialogue, Dr Al Nuaimi founded and currently chairs the World Council of Muslim Communities, and previously served as the first Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders. His deep engagement with religious groups across Southeast Asia is worthy of note.

Dr Al Nuaimi spoke on the Emirates’ efforts to promote religious tolerance, and moderate Islam within and beyond the Middle East. He also shared his experiences working with South-east Asian Muslim communities.

This event was conducted both in-person and online via Zoom on Thursday, 7 November from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM (SGT).