Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has been awarded the 2001 King Faisal International Prize for his services to Islam, it was announced here yesterday at a press conference held by Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Second Deputy Prime Minister, Defence and Aviation Minister and Inspector-General of Saudi Arabia, who is also Chairman of the prize's selection committee.

Prince Sultan said that the committee had decided to give this year's prize to Sheikh Sultan in recognition of his untiring efforts to serve Islam both at home and abroad.

Established in 1977, the prize awards $1 million divided equally in five categories: service to Islam, Islamic studies, Arabic literature, medicine and science.

Each recipient receives a certificate and gold medal. Some winners have also received Nobel prizes.