More than two thousand people of different nationalities have reverted to Islam in 2013, reflecting a growing preference for the religion around the globe.

"The new Muslims are originally from the Philippines, China, India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cameron, Kenya, Nigeria, USA, Italy, Germany, Britain, Ireland, Australia, Myanmar, Syria, Jordan, as well as Latin America,” Rashid Aljunaibi, the Director of Dar Al Ber Society centre, told Khaleej Times on Monday, January 27.

According to Dar Al Ber Society, about 2,115 people reverted to Islam in 2013.

The number, compared to about 1,907 in 2012, showed an increase by about 10%, according to Aljunaibi.

The number was much less in 2011 as only 1,380 were reportedly converted to Islam, while 1,500 joined Islam in 2010 and about 1,059 in 2009.

Reverts are usually drawn to Islam by its merciful and rational teachings which promote equality among all human beings.

Aiming to woo non-Muslims, Dar Al Ber centre engaged in several activities to present the true-face Islam.

“The centre distributed up to 56,215 books, brochures, CDs, and cassettes about Islam translated in several languages; English, Tagalog, Indian, and Chinese last year.” Aljunaibi said.

In a bid to reassure the newly converts, Aljunaibi said that: “A unified certificate is now issued to authenticate a new Muslim’s identity in association with the Dubai Courts, and the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai.”

Established more than 20 years ago, Dar Al Ber Society centre in has witnessed the reversion of 20,000 from 200 different nationalities to Islam.

Qur`an Park

In another project in Dubai, the wealthy emirate has announced plans for the world’s first Qur’an park which will display 51 out of the 54 plants mentioned in Qur’an.

"We have already planted 31 types of plants during the second phase of the project’s construction, and have 20 more left," Mohammad Mashroom, Director of General Projects Department, told Gulf News.

"The only three plants we have not planted are not available on Earth.

“We will construct an observatory where a glass building will accommodate 15 plants and other flowers, which will open up the minds of visitors to have a better understanding of the Qur’an,” he saddedaid.

Planned to open in 2015, the Qur’an park will include garlic, onion, lentil, barley, wheat, ginger, pumpkin, watermelon, and tamarind along with other plants.

With total coast of Dh26 million ($7 million), the park, located in Al Khawaneej, will include children’s play area, outdoor theatre, desert garden, palm oasis, and a lake, in addition to running and cycling tracks.

“The area allocated for the miracles of Qur’an will include an air-conditioned tunnel, which will reflect and explain the miracles and stories from the holy book,” Mashroom explained.

The project is in its third and final stage so far.

“The total area is 64 hectares and in the next six months we will focus our efforts on completing the remaining 32 hectares and complete the other facilities,” said Eng Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality.

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