Honorary doctorate for Sheikh Nahyan
dubai — The University of Balamand (UoB), Lebanon, has awarded Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, an honorary doctorate in recognition of his charitable and humanitarian work, during a ceremony held in Dubai recently.
This is the first honorary doctorate of its kind bestowed by the university outside Lebanon and has been introduced to celebrate shining examples of humanity.
In his speech, Dr Elie Salem, President of UoB, said: “Sheikh Nahyan fosters the idea of tolerance and dialogue at a time when we most need it. When we established the Sheikh Nahyan Centre for Arab Studies and the Dialogue of Civilisations at UoB, we founded an institution that embodies his personality.
“The centre brings together Christians and Muslims who are sincere in their faith and understand the divine message, and serves as a platform to deter extremism and hatred, not only in our region but throughout the world.” Dr Salem also praised the “spectacular renaissance” of the UAE, “which turned the desert into a magnificent garden and a civilisation that has amazed the world”.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said: “I will always consider this honorary degree from the UoB to be one of the most important awards and honours I have received.” Sheikh Nahyan expressed pride that the certificate came from one of the region’s most prestigious universities, which is also from Lebanon — “a country of tolerance, coexistence, originality and love for all”.
Expressing pleasure that this honour coincides with the celebration of the Year of Zayed, he added: “The late Sheikh Zayed always told us that the future of the Arab nations and the prosperity of its societies depends on our individual and collective capabilities for continuous creativity, useful innovation and enabling people to fulfil their role in shaping life in society.”