ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Ruler of Sharjah, recognized Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for recently being named as the “Family Cohesion and Social Security Personality of the Year” by the Arab Family Organization.

The award organizer, the Arab Family Organization, in cooperation with the Arab League and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), extended this award to HH Sheikh Saif for its inaugural year. The award is themed: “Through Family Bonds We Rise and Elevate Ourselves.” The selection of HH Sheikh Saif for this award was supported by several institutions, entities and ministries in addition to departments concerned with family affairs in the UAE and other Arab countries.

In a ceremony held at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry, HH Sheikh Dr. Al Qasimi valued the efforts of HH Sheikh Saif in social and humanitarian fields.

Commenting on the award, HH Sheikh Saif said that the gratitude for this award goes to the father of the Emirati family, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

He also thanked HH Sheikh Dr. Al Qasimi noting his generosity in different humanitarian fields. HH Sheikh Saif further commented: “The Late HH Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE, has called upon us to extend care to the Emirati family; this unit is the first line of defense that safeguards our society. The Emirati family has been able to face challenges posed by globalization whilst retaining the positive values and traditions that are deeply engrained in our Arab and Islamic civilization.”

The award aims to attract ideas and projects promoting the Arab family’s security and link all entities and institutions concerned with family affairs in order to exchange ideas and discuss challenges that Arab families face.

Huda bint Yusuf, Arab Family Organization Secretary General, said: “The significance of HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan being chosen is not only due to his distinguished Arab lineage, but also due to his achievements in the Emirati society.”

At the event, both HH Sheikh Dr. Al Qasimi and HH Sheikh Saif received a book titled: “Saif bin Zayed…Social Fingerprints.” The book was written by Abu Baker Hussein, the Media Consultant of the Award for Children’s Creativity of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Several officials commended the choosing of HH Sheikh Saif as the award recipient, including: Her Excellency Mariam Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs; HE Ahmed Shabib Al Dhaheri, Director General of the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; HE Abdullah bin Aqeeda Al Muhairi, Secretary General of Zakat Fund; Her Excellency Habiba Al Hosani, Director General of the Marriage Fund.

In a gesture by the event organizer, HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan was surprised to see his three children (Zayed, Khalifa and Moza) on the stage with him; they came to present him with roses and congratulate him.

*Source: ME NewsWire

The press release can be viewed online: http://www.me-newswire.net/ar/news/7456/ar

Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan (left) receiving the award from HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi (right). (Photo: Business Wire)