'Khalifa pioneer of humanitarian works'

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was presented with the Islamic Personality of the Year Award by His Highness Sheikh 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.

Also there to witness the presentation were Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in the Western Region Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

After expressing his gratitude to the award's organisers, Sheikh Khalifa praised the objectives of the Islamic award, saying that it upholds the 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.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid expressed his great pride in honouring Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed with the Islamic Personality of the Year Award, which was organised by the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA).

Sheikh Mohammed described Sheikh Khalifa as a pioneer of charitable and humanitarian works by reaching out to the needy, not only in the UAE, but around the world.    

Sheikh Mohammed said that Sheikh Khalifa deserved all the appreciation directed towards him, in recognition of his unlimited generosity and the depth of goodness embedded in his character.

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

Also present at the ceremony were Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative Sheikh Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation Sheikh Omar bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Presidential Advisor Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs Ahmed Juma Al Za'abi, Director of Dubai Ruler's Office Lt. General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, other sheikhs and senior officials.

Earlier, the ceremony kicked off with the recitation of verses from the holy Quran, after which Ibrahim Mohammed Bumelha delivered an address describing Sheikh Khalifa's achievements and charitable works around the world.

He then recited a poem in praise of Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed and their contributions to serving Muslims and non-Muslims all over the globe.

Following the ceremony, an iftar banquet was held in honour of Sheikh Khalifa and his guests.

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