Hamad Saeed Sultan Al Shamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Lebanon, has laid foundation stone of the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Park in Sidon, southern Lebanon. The park is funded by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation (KF).

Al Shamsi planted an olive tree to mark the event and unveiled the memorial plaque in the presence of the Governor of Southern Lebanon, Mansour Daou and a number of political and social figures.

On the occasion, a ceremony was held at the Sidon Municipality, entitled "Thanks UAE." The event was attended by Fouad Siniora, former Prime Minister of Lebanon, and Bahia Hariri, a former MP of Lebanon. They watched a film which narrates the humanitarian role of the UAE in Lebanon and the importance of the park as well as the volume of the UAE aid in Lebanon.

On the occasion, Al Shamsi delivered a speech emphasising that what has been accomplished is a result of the far-sighted vision of the wise leadership, noting that the UAE's grant to Lebanon amounted to $16 million.

He also noted that the projects are aimed to support the Lebanese people and meet their needs in the social, development, health and humanitarian field.

At the conclusion of the event, Al Shamsi received an honorary shield in the name of Sidon Municipality as recognition of the contribution of the UAE's President, government and people.