Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber: Al-Azhar is a Beacon for Science and Knowledge Cairo, March 5, 2014: His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State, today, was received by the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr. Ahmed al Tayeb who hailed the ever growing relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt. The comments of the Grand Imam came following a site visit, conducted by Al Jaber and the accompanying delegation to the UAE funded Al Azhar University female dormitory project - four 3650 square meter buildings that will house 3000 students upon completion. Later, at the Al Azhar Institution, The Imam and Al Jaber then jointly announced the finalization of the design for the planned 20,000 square meter Al Azhar Al Sharif Library. Members of the UAE delegation accompanying Dr. Al Jaber included His Excellency Mohammad bin Nukheira Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Egypt, His Excellency Sultan Dhahi Humairi, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs for the Support Services Sector, His Excellency Saeed Mohammad bin Murshid Al Miqbali, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs for Community Affairs, His Excellency Yousef Abdullah Al Obaidli, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, and Managing Director of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and His Excellency Mohammad Hajji Khoury, General Manager of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. The delegation emphasized on the Al Azhar’s Instituion key, centuries old, role, mandate and mission of enlightenment and the dissemination of the principles of Islam. Al Imam expressed his confidence in the Egyptian/UAE relations throughout the years and highlighted that the example of the relationship between the two nations is one that demonstrates the product of sincere affection, loyalty and above all, sharing a common goal of placing the needs of people beyond all else. The Imam highlighted the repeated historical noble stances of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father of the United Arab Emirates, who throughout his lifetime, supported Egypt unequivocally. A relationship, he explained, that has only grown stronger through the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, the UAE government and its people. The Imam highlighted that this second visit by His Excellency the minister of state underpins the UAE commitment and support to Al Azhar’s mission of spreading education, awareness and culture. Following his meeting with the Grand Imam, His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber said: “This is a clear directive from the UAE leadership to follow, closely, the progress of the projects that the UAE is implementing in support of the Al Azhar and the Egyptian people. These projects are a direct reflection of the depth and breadth of the relationship between the UAE and Egypt. On my second visit to Al Azhar,I was able to discuss with the Grand Imam the various possibilities for future cooperation and ways in which to support this noble establishment.” He added: “Al Azhar is a beacon, not only for Islamic studies but for all factions of knowledge.” His Excellency also emphasized that the UAE’s support of Al Azhar is an extension of the solid ties that bind the two nations. He added: “I have been able to conduct site visits to the female dormitories in Al Azhar University and have been able to review, alongside the Grand Imam the designs of the new Library. We have also discussed the benefits that these two projects will heed - be it through empowering women’s education and enabling their active participation in society or through the library and its important role of retaining historic pieces of writing that comprise an integral part of Arab and Islamic culture and tradition.” Al Jaber explained that the new library project is a reflection of Al Azhar’s unwavering commitment to providing knowledge to those who aspire to receive it. The Library will house references, manuscripts and rare, invaluable books. Currently, Al Azhar University houses the Sheikh Zayed Al-Azhar Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Natives.
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