Dubai - MENA Herald: H.E. Abdul Jaleel Al-Blouki, Vice Chairman of aafaq Islamic Finance, announced in a press conference held at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai, that it is releasing the ‘Dubai: A World Icon’ encyclopedia. The statement was made in the presence of partners, art and culture dignitaries, executive representatives from the government, corporate and cultural institutions.
“At the coming 10th anniversary of our company this November, we will celebrate the illustrious journey of Dubai led by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, whose 10-year rule saw monumental achievements in terms of development and innovation. As part of our celebration, we will launch our innovative visual encyclopedia, which is a colourful introduction to Dubai through a combination of expressive imagery and a wide range of information. We will be able to showcase Dubai as an exceptional icon, peerless in the modern era." said H.E. Al-Blouki in a statement.
"In line with the implementation of the ‘2016 Year of Reading’ initiative and aafaq Islamic Finance’s mission to position Dubai as a hub for Islamic finance, we are thrilled to announce our encyclopedia project set to be launched on November 12, 2016. The encyclopedia will reveal the secrets to Dubai’s prominence and regional and global leadership. This new project will follow the success of our Islamic economics encyclopedia. Starting today, we are opening our doors to strategic collaborations with institutions, departments or entities that wish to contribute to this project by sharing with us information, images or ideas that will add to its value and increase its impact. We have begun building the project’s website which will be available in several languages and social media channels. We are also tapping other important online platforms for promotion. We are happy to announce as well that the encyclopedia will include a precious dedication from our own ingenious Emirati poet Ali Al Khawar, who will present a poem titled ‘Dubai: A World Icon,’” H.E. Al-Blouki added.
H.E. Al-Blouki also said that a specialised committee of writers, journalists, intellectuals and photographers has been commissioned to select and edit the texts and define the visual identity of various topics. This will ensure the highest quality and harmony among different elements to evoke a strong response from readers. He said the aesthetic synergy between the text and images will narrate a beautiful and captivating story in every volume of the project.
Photographer and writer Sahar Al Zaraei, Assistant Secretary General, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Awards, spoke to the audience about the fundamental role of pictures in the documentation, identification and promotion of ideas as well as the consolidation of information. She highlighted Dubai’s experience as a world leader in the promotion of beautifully-crafted images. She also commended the project’s approach to using images to communicate with readers, saying doing so will significantly increase its appeal to all segments of society.
Mariam Othman, Director General of Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, discussed the human aspect of ‘Dubai: A World Icon’ project as one of the most important features of the emirate’s international relations. Dubai has been extending humanitarian assistance to all people across the world, which is a cornerstone of prosperous societies and modern civilizations. Dubai’s prosperity would not have been possible without the integration of all elements of success, both human and technological.
