UAE will become home to first Al Azhar college outside Egypt

Al Azhar, the leading university in Egypt, will open a branch in the UAE. This will mark the first branch of Al Azhar University outside Egypt.

Dr Sheikh Ahmad Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, and Dr Mohammed Mattar Salem Al Kaabi, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments (GAIAE), signed an agreement to this effect on Wednesday.

As per the agreement, an Al Azhar college for Islamic science and dawaa will be set up in the UAE.

The move aims to enhance the fraternal relations between the wise leaders and peoples of the two countries.

Dr Al Tayeb praised the stance of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, towards Egypt and its people, citing the legacy of the founder of the UAE, the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose charitable works are well-known.

Dr Al Tayeb said the UAE and its prudent leadership spare no effort to support Al Azhar. He also hailed the role played by the GAIAE to promote religious dialogue in the UAE.

Dr Al Kaabi said the approach adopted by Al Azhar is characterised by moderate and scientific thinking, as well as practical approaches, fatwas, research and studies. He said scholars and imams coming out of Al Azhar are consistent with the aspirations of the GAIAE to highlight the values of religion amid rapid changes.

"Based on this fact, coordination among all these reference institutions is a must, and Al Azhar University will have a prestigious position among other educational and research institutions in the country," said Dr Al Kaabi.

The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the Islamic affairs field in order to increase religious and Islamic cultural awareness. This will be done through expertise building and exchange programmes in the areas of fatwa, preaching, oratory and scientific research.

Photo:(Reuters file photo)