The Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims Aga Khan arrives in Dubai December 11, 2003. During the course of his stay, the Aga Khan is expected to meet with the rulers of Dubai and will brief them on the range of activities being undertaken by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the region.
On December 13, the Aga Khan will be present at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, at which the Chief Guest will be General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.
The Ismaili Centre, Dubai, when completed, will be comparable in scope and standing to existing major centers in London, Vancouver and Lisbon, the one underway in Dushanbe, and the one in an advanced planning stage in Toronto.
The AKDN is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies whose mandates range from the fields of health and education to architecture, rural development and the promotion of private-sector enterprise.
Its agencies and institutions, work together and seek to empower communities and individuals, in order to improve living conditions and opportunities, especially in Africa and Asia. They collaborate in working towards a common goal, which is to build institutions and programs that can respond to the challenges of social, economic and cultural change on an ongoing basis. Active in over 20 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, the Network's institutions work for the common good of all citizens, regardless of origin, gender or religion.
The Network's agencies are active in the Gulf and Middle East region in the areas of urban development, conservation, restoration, education, healthcare, microfinance, higher education, culture and rural development. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
