ABU DHABI – The Sheikh Zayed Book Award announced on Sunday that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah has been named the Cultural Personality of the year 2014 in the Award's eighth session. The announcement was made at a press conference here in the presence of Mohammad Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Adviser for Cultural & Heritage Affairs at the Court of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and member of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award Board of Trustees. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Sheikh Zayed Book Award, said: “King Abdullah's selection for the prize is a supreme honor for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. His Majesty's impressive achievements have been witnessed over decades and he still continues to contribute as generously as he has always been to the Arab and Islamic world.” Sheikh Sultan highlighted King Abdullah's pioneering role in promoting peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance and cross-cultural dialogue as well as his passionate support for an advanced education and scientific research culture in the region through the establishment of various educational institutes and knowledge centers that have become the North Star for scholars and researchers throughout the Arab and Islamic realms. Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, Secretary General of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, said: “We are exceptionally honored to have the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques's personality on the list of our winners”. He said the Award's Scientific Committee and its Board of Trustees decided that the Prize for 2014 be awarded to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in view of his numerous achievements over decades. He mentioned excerpts from the official verdict as defined by the Board of Trustees that showcases some of the reasons for the decision: 1. The co-establishment of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue; 2. The establishment of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology which integrates research and education; 3. The courageous stand of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques against the efforts to blemish the image of Islam, Arabism and authentic Islamic and cultural values. 4. Fostering Arabic literature and culture, and pioneering initiatives to promote cultural exchange among peoples of the world and to advance intellectual interaction among civilizations. The Award's eighth session collected a ground breaking record of nominations amounting to more than 1,385 across the Award's nine categories – that is a growth rate of 12% over last session's record. – Agencies
