Today, Wednesday, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Prof. Ahmad At-Tayyeb met HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. The Grand Imam averred that "Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif is very proud of its relationship with the UAE, a relationship that has greatly contributed to the introduction of the true Islamic religion, its tolerance and moderation through holding joint global conferences, initiatives and projects that had a great impact in consolidating the highest meanings of human fraternity, respect and world peace." He then added that "the efforts made by the UAE to serve the causes of the Arab-Muslim nation are not unconventional from the children of the wise Arab, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, whose children, rulers and princes, followed his path and adhered to his approach and his morals." He thus invoked Allah to grant the UAE sustained security and safety.

The Grand Imam also congratulated HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on the 50th anniversary and the UN’s adoption of the UAE’s National Day as the World Futures Day, which is a culmination of the efforts exerted by the UAE in several fields coping with progress.

For his part, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his appreciation of the role played by Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif and the Grand Imam in introducing Islam’s moderation and tolerance, and promoting the values of peace, love and human fraternity, praising Al-Azhar for its historical role in the service of religious disciplines and the Arabic language.