As Islamic institutions across the region adapt to the rapid evolution of technology, religious scholars are increasingly exploring how digital tools can support informed, accessible, and relevant religious guidance. Against this backdrop, the UAE and Egypt, two of the Arab world’s leading centers of Islamic scholarship are deepening cooperation in the field of fatwa development and delivery.

Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat, met with Dr. Nazir Mohammed Ayyad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt, to discuss new pathways for collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two countries.

The meeting took place in Cairo on the sidelines of the regional conference “The Making of a Competent Mufti in the Digital Age” and was attended by senior officials, including Dr. Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities, and Dr. Sabaa Salem Al Kaabi, Acting Secretary-General of the Emirates Fatwa Council.

Talks focused on the shared goal of enhancing the fatwa process through digital technologies and AI, helping scholars respond to the increasingly complex and diverse questions posed by modern Muslim communities.

“This dialogue reflects our shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in Islamic scholarship and ensuring that fatwas remain thoughtful, precise, and responsive to the needs of modern societies,” Dr. Al Darei stated.

Dr. Ayyad affirmed the importance of such collaboration, noting that the mutual exchange of expertise would enhance the capacity of Islamic institutions to address the ethical and spiritual needs of today’s rapidly evolving world.

Both sides agreed that integrating technological innovation into fatwa issuance is essential to ensure that religious rulings continue to be accessible, authentic, and aligned with contemporary realities.