ABU DHABI, 12th July, 2024 (WAM) – UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received His Eminence Professor Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders, at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, His Highness welcomed Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb, wishing him good health and a successful visit to his second home, the UAE.

The two sides discussed enhancing cooperation between relevant entities in the UAE and both Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders to consolidate shared human values and promote a culture of coexistence, civilised dialogue, and peace among various cultures and peoples worldwide based on the principles of the Document on Human Fraternity, which was signed by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and His Holiness Pope Francis of the Catholic Church in February 2019 in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting also discussed the Muslim Council of Elders initiative titled Alliance of Religions for Development and Peace, established in collaboration with the Republic of Indonesia, which aims to strengthen the role of religious scholars and leaders in supporting global development and peace efforts.

Furthermore, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Dr Ahmed Al-Tayeb exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest.

His Highness commended the Grand Imam's significant efforts in spreading the message of understanding and human coexistence, as well as in fostering a culture of mutual respect. He also praised the pivotal role of Al-Azhar in presenting the true image of Islam and maintaining its benevolent and peaceful message.

The Grand Imam praised the initiatives and charitable efforts of His Highness supporting regional and global peace and development. He also highlighted His Highness' humanitarian approach, which focuses on human development and empowerment worldwide.

The Grand Imam expressed his appreciation for the UAE's commitment to Islamic issues, continuing its historical support for its brothers, especially the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people at various levels.

His Eminence highlighted Al-Azhar and the Muslim Council of Elders' efforts in promoting values of peace, coexistence, and human fraternity, as well as combating hate speech and extremism and supporting the role of religious scholars and leaders in addressing contemporary humanitarian challenges.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs;Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat; and Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders.