June 11, 2026 — Abu Dhabi
On the sidelines of the third International Dialogue of Civilizations and Tolerance Conference 2026 (IDCT 2026), held June 3-5 in Abu Dhabi, American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, and Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies announced a new formal partnership to bolster interfaith dialogue and cooperation throughout the Middle East in pursuit of regional stability and prosperity.
Implemented through AJC’s Center for a New Middle East and AJC Abu Dhabi: The Sidney Lerner Center for Arab-Jewish Understanding, the new partnership will leverage the Emirates Scholar Center’s academic expertise and AJC’s longstanding relationships across the region, built over 70 years of engagement. AJC is the only American Jewish organization with a permanent presence in the Gulf.
At a pivotal moment for the region, defined as much by uncertainty as possibility, the partnership is driven by the organizations’ shared dedication to a future defined by interconnectedness and prosperity, rather than uncertainty and war.
Jason Isaacson, AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer, and Dr. Fawaz Nadeem Habbal, Director General, Member of the Board of Trustees of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies, signing the memorandum of understanding
Credit: American Jewish Committee
"The foundational vision of the Emirates Scholar Center reflects the deeply rooted commitment of UAE leadership to promote mutual understanding and respect between peoples in diverse societies – a commitment that grounds AJC's full-time presence, and confidence, in this country,” said AJC Chief Policy and Political Affairs Officer Jason Isaacson. “We are honored to partner with the Center."
“We are delighted to embark on this strategic partnership with AJC and guided by the UAE leadership’s commitment to mutual respect, Emirates Scholar Center is dedicated to utilizing evidence-based insights to promote understanding. We believe that through rigorous research and open dialogue, we can build a more harmonious and prosperous future for the next generations,” said Dr. Fawaz Nadeem Habbal, Director General, Board of Trustees Member of Emirates Scholar Center for Research and Studies
The memorandum of understanding provides for joint conferences, summits, seminars, and workshops; the publication of joint reports; and the convening of professional and academic training programs and roundtables for researchers, students, and working professionals focused on interreligious and education advocacy.
About American Jewish Committee (AJC)
American Jewish Committee (AJC) is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people, creating trusted partnerships with leaders around the world to ensure Jews and Israel are safe and thriving. Through 40 offices and dozens of partnerships with Jewish communities worldwide, AJC engages leaders in more than 110 countries, empowering those in government, education, partner communities, and the private sector to counter antisemitism and act as allies. For more, please visit www.ajc.org.
About Emirates Scholar Center
Established in 2019, Emirates Scholar Center for Research & Studies stands as the first specialised entity in the United Arab Emirates dedicated to indexing, publishing, and promoting scientific research, abstracts, and studies across diverse academic and professional fields.
Operating under the wise directives of the UAE's leadership, Emirates Scholar contributes directly to the goals of the UAE Centennial 2071, a national roadmap to build a knowledge-based, diversified, and sustainable economy led by distinguished Emirati talent. The Center plays a pivotal role in managing, indexing, and disseminating scientific output, organising international conferences, and overseeing regional scientific awards across the Middle East.
Beyond ensuring full compliance with international standards for scholarly publishing and indexing, the center is committed to building an environment that cultivates innovation, strengthens the culture of scientific inquiry, and reinforces the UAE's standing as a global hub for knowledge production, tolerance, and sustainable progress.
