His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received, today at Qasr Al Bahr, the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al Tayeb, Sheikh of Al Azhar, who is currently visiting the UAE to chair an urgent meeting of the Muslim Council Of Elders to discuss the latest Israeli transgressions against the Al Aqsa Mosque.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Dr. Al Tayeb, followed by a review of the issues and challenges facing the Islamic world, including Israel’s violations of the Al Aqsa Mosque. His Highness highlighted the importance of co-ordination and co-operation between relevant authorities in the Arab and Islamic world in facing these challenges.

His Highness praised the stance of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to counter the violations against the Al Aqsa Mosque and the people coming for prayers, and his efforts to end the restrictions imposed by Israel. His Highness also highlighted King Salman’s leading role in serving and defending Muslims, and his constant desire to protect Islamic holy sites.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed stressed the desire of the UAE, under the presidency of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to support efforts that serve Islam and Muslims, while noting that they will continue to co-operate with Arab and Muslim countries to maintain Islam’s holy sites. He also highlighted the noble values of Islam and the efforts to confront the extremism and criminal acts that use Islam for their own ends.

Dr. Al Tayed praised the UAE’s efforts and its role in supporting Islam and Muslims, as well as its various initiatives, on several fronts, to promote Islamic values which encourage Muslims to follow paths of tolerance and moderation. He also praised the UAE’s efforts to confront terrorism and extremism, while praying to Allah Almighty to save and protect the UAE.

The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Dr. Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Speaker of Federal National Council (FNC), H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs (ZHO) and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.