Watch: Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, Renowned Boca Raton Jewish Leader, Visits UAE for High-Level Interfaith Mission

ABU DHABI — Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, the widely respected spiritual leader credited with helping build the Boca Raton Jewish community into one of the fastest-growing Orthodox centers in the United States, visited the United Arab Emirates this week for a series of meetings advancing interfaith dialogue and regional cooperation.

Rabbi Goldberg — known nationally for his influential speeches, shiurim, and community leadership — said he was on a “short, but remarkable mission” to the UAE. Emirati leaders and interfaith advocates publicly welcomed him, reflecting the strong relationships he has developed in the region.

During the visit, the rabbi met with Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the UAE’s Defense, Interior & Foreign Affairs Committee. Rabbi Goldberg praised his “leadership, vision, and courage,” noting Al Nuaimi’s key role in shaping the Abraham Accords and promoting coexistence across the Middle East.

In Abu Dhabi, he was also hosted by prominent Emirati figures Loay Alshareef and Omar Al Busaidy, both of whom expressed admiration for the rabbi’s work and personal warmth.
“Great seeing you again Rabbi! This time at your second home, the UAE,” Al Busaidy wrote on X. Rabbi Goldberg responded, “Thanks Omar, grateful for your friendship and hospitality.”

Alshareef, who met with a delegation of American Jews from Florida that included Rabbi Goldberg, praised Abu Dhabi as a multicultural city where people of all faiths feel welcome.

Rabbi Goldberg, who has led Boca Raton Synagogue for more than two decades, is widely credited with shaping the city’s flourishing Orthodox community and is regarded as one of the most prominent American rabbis of his generation. His shiurim, lectures, and writings are followed by audiences worldwide.

He said the mission to the UAE offered meaningful opportunities to deepen understanding and friendship. “Grateful to be welcomed so warmly here in Abu Dhabi,” he said.

The visit reflects the growing ties between U.S. Jewish leaders and the UAE, which has emerged as a hub for interfaith dialogue since the signing of the Abraham Accords.

On a short, but remarkable mission to the UAE. Looking forward to sharing impressions, observations and reflections. pic.twitter.com/Ul58Vlv5w5

— Rabbi Efrem Goldberg (@RabbiGoldberg) December 8, 2025

Grateful to be welcomed so warmly here in Abu Dhabi, and deeply grateful to sit with my friend Loay Alshareef @lalshareef.

His courage, his honesty, and his steadfast support for the Jewish people and for a future built on understanding mean more than words can convey.… pic.twitter.com/7YKg2vnGbd

— Rabbi Efrem Goldberg (@RabbiGoldberg) December 9, 2025

I had the privilege to meet with Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi @Dralnoaimi, Chairman of the Defense Affairs, Interior & Foreign Affairs Committee of UAE, whose leadership, vision, and courage continue to bring light to our region. His work on the Abraham Accords, his dedication to… pic.twitter.com/gKtFJmMThG

— Rabbi Efrem Goldberg (@RabbiGoldberg) December 10, 2025

Thanks Omar, grateful for your friendship and hospitality! https://t.co/uRFRnf1zRD

— Rabbi Efrem Goldberg (@RabbiGoldberg) December 10, 2025