Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, attended the annual gala dinner hosted by the American University of Beirut (AUB) at the InterContinental Hotel in the capital, Abu Dhabi.

The event was held in celebration of AUB alumni residing in the United Arab Emirates and in recognition of the deep academic and cultural ties between the two brotherly nations.

The dinner was attended by Dr. Paul Morcos, Minister of Information of the Republic of Lebanon; Dr. Raymond Sawaya, Vi​ce President for Medical Affairs and Dean of Faculty of Medicine; Fouad Dandan, Ambassador of Lebanon to the UAE; and Engineer Khalil Joudeh, President of the AUB Alumni Club – Abu Dhabi Chapter, in addition to a distinguished group of alumni and friends of the university.

In his opening speech, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said, “I greet you all and warmly welcome you to this renewed celebration here in the UAE of the American University of Beirut – a globally renowned institution that, nearly 160 years after its establishment, continues to stand strong and successful. Through its ongoing achievements, the university reflects the talent, determination, and global contributions of the Lebanese people.”

He emphasised that the occasion reflects the deep fraternal ties between the UAE and the Republic of Lebanon, stressing that these relations are built on mutual respect, goodwill, and sincere brotherhood.

He praised AUB as a pioneering model in education, scientific research, and healthcare, with an active role in engaging communities both locally and internationally.

He noted the high calibre of AUB alumni in the UAE, stating, “We observe, here in the UAE, the capability and excellence of AUB graduates, and we greatly value their contributions to our nation’s development. Under the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, our country is firmly committed to maximising human potential, supporting innovation, and advancing research and development across all sectors.”

He further affirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting the mission of universities in Arab societies by promoting values of sustainable development, coexistence, peace, and understanding – values that are also embodied in the UAE’s current celebration of the “Year of Community.”

He described AUB as a beacon of excellence, producing highly regarded graduates and serving as a centre for innovation, knowledge, and community service.

Following that, Dr. Paul Morcos delivered a speech emphasising the cultural bonds between the two peoples and the university’s enlightening role in the region.

He expressed his gratitude for the invitation and stated that AUB is an institution its alumni take great pride in — one that has shaped leaders who have excelled in various fields and championed free speech and media freedom.

He added that the United Arab Emirates has always been, and will continue to be, a sincere and effective partner in supporting Lebanon. He also noted that the Lebanese community in the UAE continues to enrich various sectors through its expertise and professionalism.

He explained that the Ministry of Information is currently working on a new media law aimed at transforming the sector by enhancing freedom of expression within a framework of responsibility and professionalism. The ministry also seeks to revamp Tele Liban, strengthen public media, and combat fake news and disinformation in collaboration with local and international partners.

He concluded his remarks by saying, “It is our collective responsibility to continue investing in human potential and to strengthen partnerships that build fairer, more stable, and more prosperous societies. We must also foster media and cultural cooperation with our Arab brothers, foremost among them the United Arab Emirates.”

The event reflected the mutual respect and appreciation between the Emirati and Lebanese peoples and highlighted the vital role that esteemed academic institutions like the American University of Beirut play in promoting cultural dialogue and societal advancement through education and knowledge.

This gathering comes in the context of enhancing academic and cultural collaboration between the UAE and Lebanon, through strategic partnerships that foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and tolerance.