Mohammed receives Pope Tawadros II

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,  on Sunday at his Zabeel Palace received Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, and the members of the delegation accompanying him.

Welcoming Pope Tawadros II, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid emphasied that the UAE stands by the brotherly people of Egypt in all circumstances. 

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the role clergymen play to achieve rapprochement between the followers of different religions and to consolidate the principles of tolerance, love and peace between all peoples of the world.

On his part, Pope Tawadros II expressed to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid his thanks for UAE for its humanitarian and national positions for the Egyptian people.

Also present at the meeting were Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group,  Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State, Mohammed bin Nakheera Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Egypt, and Ehab Hammoda, Egyptian Ambassador to UAE, and Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of Protocol Department–Dubai.

Mohammed attends AUD graduation ceremony

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the graduation ceremony for the 17th batch of graduates from the American University of Dubai (AUD) at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on Sunday.

Accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed arrived at Rashid Hall after which the attendees listened to a rendition of the UAE and USA national anthems, followed by a speech from the AUD's Vice President, Elias Bou Saab.

In his speech, Bou Saab thanked Sheikh Mohammed for patronising the graduation ceremony highlighting the valuable lessons the generations to come draw from the farsighted vision of the wise leadership of the UAE to take on future challenges and hardships.

This year’s special guest and speaker was Gordon Brown, the former British Prime Minister, who delivered a speech in which he praised the many philanthropic initiatives that originate from the UAE. Brown underlined Dubai Cares as an ideal example for presenting a helping hand to our fellow humans especially in the field of education.

Brown spoke of his experience as a premier during the global financial crisis and the importance of education. Brown thanked the UAE and praised the leadership’s keenness to nurture education and educational institutions in an atmosphere of safety, freedom and world-class infrastructure.

Speaking on behalf of her fellow students, this year's top graduate at AUD Maryam Ishkhanian thanked Sheikh Mohammed, the faculty and her family for their constant support.

In remarks towards the end of the ceremony, AUD President Dr Lance de Masi thanked Sheikh Mohammed for his patronage and support of AUD and the education sector in the UAE.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid left the ceremony hall surrounded by graduates amidst applauses and cheers.

Also present at the graduation ceremony were Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Education Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami, Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, senior officials and dignitaries.