Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the annual gala dinner hosted by the American University of Beirut (AUB) at the InterContinental Hotel in the capital, Abu Dhabi. The event was held in celebration of AUB alumni residing in the United Arab Emirates and in recognition of the deep academic and cultural ties between the two brotherly nations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the dinner was attended by Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information of the Republic of Lebanon; Dr. Raymond Sawaya, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of Faculty of Medicine; Fouad Dandan, Ambassador of Lebanon to the UAE; and Engineer Khalil Joudeh, President of the AUB Alumni Club - Abu Dhabi Chapter, in addition to a distinguished group of alumni and friends of the university.
In his opening speech, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak expressed a warm welcome to the attendees. He highlighted the enduring success of AUB, a globally renowned institution nearly 160 years after its establishment. He emphasized the talent and global contributions of the Lebanese people reflected through the university's achievements.
Sheikh Nahyan also underscored the deep fraternal ties between the UAE and Lebanon, based on mutual respect and goodwill. He praised AUB for its pioneering role in education, scientific research, and healthcare, and for engaging communities both locally and internationally.
He acknowledged the high calibre of AUB alumni in the UAE, recognizing their contributions to the nation's development. Under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is committed to maximising human potential and supporting innovation across all sectors.
Sheikh Nahyan affirmed the UAE's dedication to supporting Arab universities by promoting sustainable development, coexistence, peace, and understanding. He described AUB as a beacon of excellence in education and community service.
Dr. Paul Morcos, in his speech, emphasized the cultural bonds between the two peoples and AUB's enlightening role in the region. He expressed gratitude for the UAE's continued support and highlighted the Lebanese community's contributions to various sectors in the UAE.
He also discussed the Ministry of Information's efforts to enhance media freedom and combat disinformation. He stressed the importance of investing in human potential and strengthening partnerships for stable and prosperous societies.
The event highlighted the mutual respect and appreciation between the Emirati and Lebanese peoples and underscored the role of esteemed academic institutions like AUB in promoting cultural dialogue and societal advancement. This gathering aimed to enhance academic and cultural collaboration between the UAE and Lebanon through strategic partnerships fostering knowledge exchange, innovation, and tolerance.