Mohamed Al-Murr with André Miquel.

Sohaila Ahmed, Staff reporter

Mohamed Al-Murr, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award, honoured the great French Arabist André Miquel, who was selected to be awarded as an outstanding scholar who served the Arabic Language and culture with his intellectual and influential works.

The ceremony was held at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Paris, after Dr Miquel was unable to attend the ceremony that took place in the UAE, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed.

A tea party was held at the embassy and was attended by many Arab, cultural figures residing in Paris, including the presence of the orientalist André Miquel, his daughter, his publisher and many friends.

The UAE embassy welcomed this significant UAE-French cultural event, which points out the depth of ties between the two countries and their people.

Moreover, André Miquel gave a short speech in which he mentioned the story of his passion about the Arabic language, its literature, and its ancient intellectual heritage.

He expressed his appreciation and gratitude to be honoured by the UAE and the Mohammad Bin Rashid Arabic Language Award.

Mohamed Al-Murr also gave a short speech about the excessive efforts made by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid in an attempt to strengthen the Arabic language and literature, and support those interested in it.

He also praised the great efforts of the orientalist André Miquel in serving the Arabic Language and heritage in France, as well as expressed his sympathy and paid condolences to the French people for the tragic fire accident that took place at the historic Notre Dame Cathedral.