His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb, received Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Media Company and editor-in-chief of news portal 24. The Grand Imam welcomed Dr. Bin Tamim and the media delegation accompanying him, praising the cultural and intellectual renaissance in the United Arab Emirates. He also commended the efforts of UAE leaders in mainstreaming Arab and Islamic literature and culture through international festivals and competitions, such as Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Arab Reading Challenge Festival. He added that these efforts reflect the UAE leaders’ awareness of and belief in the importance of preserving the Arab cultural identity and linking the emerging Arab generations to their literary and cultural heritage.

Besides, the Grand Imam appreciated the considerable role of Kalima Project for Translation in the revival of the translation movement in the Arab world, through translating a wide selection of books from several foreign languages and presenting them to the Arab world. He stressed that this project represents a genuine step for a renaissance that restores the Arab world's leadership among developed countries.

For his part, Dr. Bin Tamim said that the credit for preserving Arab and Islamic culture at all times goes to Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif, the top Islamic authority. He indicated that Al-Azhar's moderate and pluralistic approach represents the essence of Islam and its tolerant reality, which is completely dissociated from extremism and terrorism. He also commended the Grand Imam’s enlightened thought and his support for all efforts that serve the Arab culture and enhance its global status. He finally stressed that the Grand Imam is a symbol of peace and human coexistence.