The Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the United States joined with leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 3 December 2019 to turn on the Christmas lights at the Washington DC Temple.
Her Excellency Hunaina Al Mughairy was the Ambassadorial Honored Speaker at the 42nd Annual Festival of Lights Lighting Ceremony at the temple grounds in Kensington, Maryland. Together with Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, they illuminated over 400,000 lights that surround the temple. The annual event is hosted by Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Marriott, Jr. and Ambassador Al Mughairy was introduced by United States Senator Mitt Romney. Special guests included ambassadors and diplomats, governmental, judicial, business, religious and faith leaders. Many of the dignitaries attended with their families, including Ambassador Al Mughairy’s family.
- Hunaina Al Mughairy and Elder Ronald A. Rasband at the 2019 Festival of Lights
- JW Marriott and Oman representatives at the 2019 Washington DC Festival of Lights
- Young girls sing at 2019 Festival of Lights
- The family of Her Excellency Hunaina Al Mughairy and Ambassador Fuad Al-Hinai of Oman at the Washington DC Temple.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The ambassador’s daughter, Farah Al Hinai, said her family was grateful to participate in the event. “It never ceases to amaze my family and me how the endless hours of work come to light with one little push of a button. Elder Rasband's positive words of peace during prayer at evening’s end resonated with everyone in the room regardless of their religion,” Ms. Al Hinai said.
In his remarks, Elder Rasband thanked those in attendance for their leadership and diligent work to bring about good in the lives of others and encouraged them to reach out in love and service during the holiday season.
Representatives from 70 embassies attended the opening which kicked off a month-long celebration with nightly concerts, decor and exhibits. The Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen, H.E. Dr. Ahmed A. bin Mubarak, attended the event with his family.
“Every year I experience joy and happiness, and I’m touched,” Dr. Mubarak said. “I see all the faiths come together, and I feel quite calm and at peace.”
That festive feeling was echoed by Ms. Al Hinai, who said, “This time of year is not only a time for celebration, but also a time for service where we make sure that we are not separated by our differences and seek to make others feel the peace and love around us."