United Arab Emirates visit diary
Sunday, 23 March 2008
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan welcomes Mawlana Hazar Imam at Abu Dhabi airport, upon his arrival in the United Arab Emirates. Photo: Gary Otte
Mawlana Hazar Imam commenced his Golden Jubilee visit to the United Arab Emirates in the country’s capital, Abu Dhabi. Upon his arrival, Mawlana Hazar Imam was received by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and leaders of the UAE Jamat. Shortly after his arrival, Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim also arrived in Abu Dhabi for this visit, and were welcomed by senior government officials and leaders of the Jamat.
Meanwhile, in Dubai, in joyous anticipation of Hazar Imam’s arrival, Golden Jubilee celebrations have commenced with social and cultural activities taking place every evening. Thousands of members of the international Jamat have arrived and are enjoying the warm hospitality of the Gulf Jamat, while volunteers continue to work behind the scenes, laying the groundwork for the Golden Jubilee Darbar and the Opening Ceremony of the Ismaili Centre Dubai.
Monday, 24 March 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam, Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim with His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. Photo: Gary Otte
Following their arrival yesterday, Mawlana Hazar Imam, Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim were warmly received this afternoon by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. Following a short meeting, Sheikh Hamdan hosted an official lunch at his palace. Sheikh Hamdan’s wife, Sheikha Shamsa, generously hosted a lunch in Princess Zahra’s honour.
In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam, Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim were the guests of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the UAE at an Official Dinner.
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam being greeted by leaders of the Jamat upon his arrival in Dubai. Photo: Aziz Islamshah
After a two day visit to Abu Dhabi, Mawlana Hazar Imam arrived in Dubai today, accompanied by Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim.
From the early morning, thousands of Ismailis from more than 50 countries gathered for the much-anticipated Golden Jubilee Darbar, which Mawlana Hazar Imam granted to the Jamat in the afternoon. It was an occasion of special joy for Hazar Imam and the Jamat as Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim were present during the Darbar proceedings.
In the evening, Mawlana Hazar Imam visited the Ismaili Centre Dubai in anticipation of its formal opening tomorrow morning.
Wednesday, 26 March 2008
Mawlana Hazar Imam together with Princess Zahra and Prince Rahim overlooking the entrance hall of the Ismaili Centre Dubai from the balcony above. Photo: Gary Otte
Today, in an elegant ceremony, Mawlana Hazar Imam officially opened the Ismaili Centre Dubai in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan — senior members of the ruling families of the United Arab Emirates. He was accompanied by Prince Rahim and Princess Zahra at the ceremony, which was also attended by diplomats from the UAE and the leadership of the global Jamat as well as others who have supported the construction of the new Centre.
Mawlana Hazar Imam described the opening as “a Golden Jubilee moment which connects the past to the future for me and in a special way.”
Following the opening of the Ismaili Centre, Mawlana Hazar Imam inaugurated the Dubai Park, located adjacent to the Centre. Presented as a gift from Hazar Imam to the City of Dubai, the 3 000 square metre park was developed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture. It was designed by renowned landscape architect Maher Stino, who also designed the 74-acres Azhar Park in Cairo, Egypt, another project of the Trust for Culture.
- Also see the Opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai for the press release, Mawlana Hazar Imam's speech, photos, videos and additional related information.
Later in the day, Mawlana Hazar Imam was Guest of Honour at the launch of the “Khor Dubai” Cultural Project being unveiled by UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. The project which aims to establish Dubai as a global centre for cultural and civilised dialogue, will create a cultural hub along the 20 km shoreline of Dubai Creek and envisions the construction of libraries, theatres, museums and other cultural institutions, including the first museum dedicated to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him and his family).
In the evening, the Jamati institutions of the United Arab Emirates hosted a dinner in honour of Mawlana Hazar Imam. Youth from the Jamat treated the guests to a spectacular dance performance and the leaders of the Jamat presented gifts to Mawlana Hazar Imam, Prince Rahim and Princess Zahra.
Thursday, 27 March 2008
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum bids farewell to Mawlana Hazar Imam, as members of the Jamati leadership look on. Photo: Gary Otte
After a busy four day trip to the United Arab Emirates, which included the historic opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai, Mawlana Hazar Imam departed from Dubai today. He was bid farewell at the Royal Terminal of the Dubai International Airport by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum on behalf of the Ruling Family, as well as leaders of the UAE Jamat.
Additional photographs are available in the gallery and at the AKDN website. Also see the coverage of the Opening of the Ismaili Centre Dubai.
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