Khalifa a pioneer of charitable works, says Mohammed

 

(Wam) 17 August 2011, 6:28 AM

 

AL AIN - The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, received the ‘Islamic Personality of the Year’ Award from His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at Al Rawdha Palace in Al Ain on Tuesday evening.

Shaikh Khalifa was selected for the coveted award by the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA) in its 15^th edition.

After expressing his gratitude to the award’s organisers, Shaikh Khalifa praised the objectives of the award, saying that it upholds the Holy Quran’s values and virtues. He added that the award reflects well upon the UAE, as it promotes Islam as a religion characterised by moderation, temperance, peace and solidarity amongst peoples.

Shaikh Mohammed expressed his great pride in honouring Shaikh Khalifa with the award.

Shaikh Mohammed described Shaikh Khalifa as a pioneer of charitable and humanitarian works by reaching out to the needy, not only in the UAE, but around the world. He said that Shaikh Khalifa deserved all the appreciation directed towards him, in recognition of his unlimited generosity and the depth of goodness embedded in his character.

Following on the directives of Shaikh Mohammed, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the DIHQA Ibrahim Mohammed Bumelha announced that one million copies of the Holy Quran would be published and distributed in honour of Shaikh Khalifa.

Earlier, the ceremony started with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, after which Ibrahim Mohammed Bumelha delivered an address describing Shaikh Khalifa’s achievements and charitable works around the world. He then recited a poem in praise of Shaikh Khalifa and Shaikh Mohammed and their contributions to serving people all over the globe.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region Shaikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt-Gen. Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation Shaikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation Shaikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Presidential Adviser Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Shaikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works Shaikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs Ahmed Juma Al Za’abi, Director of Dubai Ruler’s Office Lt-Gen. Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, other Shaikhs and senior officials.