His Eminence Dr Ahmed El-Tayeb Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders has congratulated the leadership, government and people of the United Arab Emirates on the occasion of the nation’s 47th National Day which falls on the 2nd of December of every year. The National Day represents a major milestone in the history of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (May Allah have mercy on him).

On this great occasion, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif and its Grand Imam sent their congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates as well as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates as well as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE's Armed Forces along with the Rulers and people of the United Arab Emirates, wishing them continued growth and prosperity.

Al-Azhar Al-Sharif also expressed its deep appreciation of the United Arab Emirates’ support for Egypt and the Arab and Muslim worlds, which falls in line with its vision and drive that was established by its late great leader and founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (May Allah have mercy on him), and which was then continued by his trusted sons. These values that call on for the strengthening of moderateness and coexistence as well as promoting openness to the rest of the world’s cultures and civilizations. Praying to Almighty Allah to have mercy on this wise Sheikh who did not only live for his people, but whose influence transcended borders into other nations and states.