A forum for the exchange of ideas in the grand old tradition

ABU DHABI // Prominent commentators on religion, politics and energy are delivering a series of lectures throughout Ramadan sponsored by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Now in their third year, the lectures are held in the Crown Prince's Ramadan majlis every Sunday and Wednesday throughout the holy month. However, organisers point out that the series is an extension of a programme of lectures presented throughout the year.

"The idea for the lectures came from His Highness," said one of the event organisers. "It is part of his participation in the community and bringing together people of different backgrounds to talk on social, religious, economic and political issues to educate those attending." Last week, the Saudi scholar and Islamic preacher Salman al Odeh launched the lecture series with his talk on The Positive Muslim. On Sunday evening, Chris Patten, the former EU foreign affairs representative, delivered the second lecture to a diverse audience of 270 people, including Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Foreign Minister, Amal al Qubaisi, a member of the FNC, members of the Cabinet and university students.

Invitations to join the audience are made according to the topic, with the aim of bringing people of different backgrounds together and fostering an exchange of ideas. "We have noticed lots of growing demand from all types of people who say they are thirsty for discussions and debate," one organiser said. "People are very interested." Tomorrow's lecture is entitled al Qa'eda and Terrorism: who won and who lost? by the French scholar Dr Gilles Kepel, followed by Mohammed Abed al Jabiri's For a Renewal of the Arab Mind, The Religious State by Ali Amin, and 80 years of the Muslim Brotherhood, a success or a failure? by Abd al-Rahim Ali. The final lecture will be given by Malcolm Brinded, Shell's executive director of exploration and production, speaking on the Global Energy Scenarios 2050.