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Khalifa Islamic Personality of the Year

DUBAI — The President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has been named the Islamic Personality of the 15th session of the Dubai International Holy Quran for his service to the Holy Quran, Islam, Muslims, humanity and role in developing the UAE.

Deputy chairman of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award organising committee Dr Saeed Harib made the announcement on Wednesday morning at the Cultural and Scientific Association in Dubai’s Al Mamzar area.

“His Highness Shaikh Khalifa — born on January 25, 1948 — has been named for the Dh1million prize in appreciation of his noble activities for the Arab, Muslim and whole world,” the announcement said.

Several scholars, scientists, presidents and institutions have won the Islamic Personality Prize over the past 14 sessions. The first winner was the late Shaikh Mohammed Metwally Al Shaarawy of Egypt in 1997 while former Sudanese president Field Marshal Abdul Rahman Swar Al Dahab was the last winner in 2010.

“The choice clearly shows how the UAE people love, respect and appreciate their leader. It is a simple gesture to thank the President’s role in the service of his people and humanity,” Dr Harib said.

As per Shaikh Khalifa’s instructions, numerous masjids, schools, and hospitals have been built in and outside the country. “He has always been ready to send relief aids abroad and order charitable activities,” he added.

Ibrahim Bu Melha, chairman of the organising committee, said the unanimous selection of the President had sprung out of his relentless dedication, devotion and contributions to the service, progress and prosperity of his homeland, citizens, the Islamic World and humanity at large.

Speaking at a Press conference, Bu Melha said the selection was motivated by “the deep love to the President’s character whom we profoundly respect and value. We view his character as hope in our hearts and a dream in our eyes. Shaikh Khalifa is a sublime symbol of sovereignty whom we owe loyalty and love.”

“Shaikh Khalifa commands many traits of charity, good, dedication, sacrifice in the love of his homeland and his citizens. He spares no efforts to bring happiness to his citizens and make them feel satisfied on the soil of their land whether materially or morally until they become a model of development and prosperity,” he added.

“Shaikh Khalifa, the Islamic Personality of the Year, stands as a role model for us all for the achievements and services he made for the people of his nation, for the bright national stances he adopted and for extending a helping and generous hand to needy peoples at times of disasters and crises.”

(With input from Wam)

· ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com