Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, has praised the cultural and intellectual renaissance taking place in the UAE, under its wise leadership. He made these comments when he received Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Media.

During their meeting, Dr. Al Tayeb praised the UAE’s cultural and intellectual advancement and the efforts of its wise leadership to promote literature and Arab and Islamic culture through international festivals and competitions, including the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Arab Reading Challenge.

He also said that he appreciated the key role of the Kalima Project in reviving the translation movement in the Arab world, by translating a wide range of books from foreign languages into Arabic, while saying that the project is a genuine step towards achieving a renaissance in literature.

Dr. bin Tamim praised the role of Al Azhar in protecting Arab and Islamic cultures while highlighting the fact that its moderate approach represents the true face of Islam, which has nothing to do with extremism and terrorism.

He also lauded the enlightened thinking of Dr. Al Tayeb and his support for all efforts to serve Arab culture and promote its international position, affirming that he is a symbol of peace and social co-existence.