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 Abu Dhabi. The event celebrated AUB alumni residing in the United Arab Emirates and recognized the academic and cultural ties between the UAE and Lebanon.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the dinner was attended by notable figures such as 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, along with a group of alumni and friends of the university.
In his opening speech, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak highlighted the significance of the event in reflecting the fraternal ties between the UAE and Lebanon, emphasizing mutual respect and brotherhood. He praised AUB for its model in education, research, and healthcare, noting the excellence of its alumni in the UAE and their contributions to the nation's development.
Dr. Paul Morcos emphasized the cultural bonds between the two nations and AUB's enlightening role in the region. He expressed gratitude for the partnership between the UAE and Lebanon and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance media freedom and combat disinformation.
The event underscored the mutual respect and appreciation between the Emirati and Lebanese peoples and the importance of esteemed academic institutions like AUB in fostering cultural dialogue and societal advancement through education. The gathering aimed to enhance academic and cultural collaboration between the UAE and Lebanon, promoting knowledge exchange, innovation, and tolerance.