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"These humanitarian gestures were reflected in Shaikh Khalifa’s decisions, such as increasing wages and social benefits...” - Sami Gargash, Member of DIHQA organising panel. Image Credit: WAM

Dubai: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been chosen as the Islamic Personality of the Year for the 15th edition of the Dubai International Holy Quran Award (DIHQA).

The announcement was made by the organising committee of the award at a press conference in Dubai yesterday.

Dr Saeed Hareb, deputy chairman of the organising committee of DIHQA, said that the decision to choose Shaikh Khalifa as the Islamic Personality of the year sought to highlight Shaikh Khalifa's leadership, the keen attention he gives to the UAE's development, and his role in serving the religion of Islam, Muslims and humanitarian causes.

"The decision expresses the love, gratitude and respect of the UAE people towards the President. This does not overshadow Shaikh Khalifa's efforts and initiatives in providing humanitarian aid to many countries and societies, and the special attention he gives to building mosques, schools, clinics, and relief aid to suffering populations.

"These efforts have alleviated the suffering of many societies and communities," Hareb said.

Benevolent

"The people's love for Shaikh Khalifa indicates the special place the President has in many people's hearts in appreciation of his generous and benevolent initiatives as a global humanitarian personality who has the respect of the world's leaders and presidents," he added.

Sami Gargash, a member of the organising committee and head of the public relations unit, said that the award also salutes charitable initiatives of Shaikh Khalifa's early years and the ones he took up after he became President.

"These humanitarian gestures were reflected in Shaikh Khalifa's decisions, such as in increasing wages and social benefits, and the UAE's continuing policy of respecting neighbouring countries, preserving peace and not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries," Gargash said.

Dr Mohammad Abdul Rahim Al Olama, member of the organising committee and head of the Quran Science unit, said that the award also reflected Shaikh Khalifa's efforts to serve his people and the Islamic world in particular, and humanitarian causes in general.

Open to people's needs

"Shaikh Khalifa has provided his people with the means for a dignified life, and pays special attention to listening to his people's needs and requests, and receives them lovingly and modestly to follow up on their conditions and situation," Al Olama said.

"The love and effort that he shows and exerts for his citizens spreads even further to Islamic countries and people with his contribution to the countries' development and growth, and defence of their causes," he added.