Liberal values personified

Dr Abdullah Omran Taryam, who left us on this day in 2014, remains our guiding spirit.

Twelve years ago, the eminent media figure and national politician, Dr. Abdullah Omran Taryam, bid farewell to this world, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate deeply in the hearts of those who loved and knew him. His memory lingers warmly among his friends, colleagues, students, and anyone whose life he touched — whether through a kind gesture, sage advice, thoughtful opinions, or the vast wisdom and experience he accumulated throughout a life filled with purpose, generosity, knowledge, and relentless effort.

On January 30, 2014, Dr. Abdullah Omran embarked on his eternal journey, his memory permanently imprinted in our hearts. Despite the passage of years, his presence remains as vivid as ever. The inevitability of fate that marked his sudden and sorrowful departure could not diminish the profound impact he left behind. His life story continues to inspire many, characterized by unwavering willpower, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges and barriers.

His path was far from smooth in its beginnings but stands as a testament to resilience and perseverance. The heartfelt words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reflect his deep sorrow as he mourned the loss, saying he grieved alongside the nation for the departure of a dedicated son of the Emirates, an exemplary statesman, and a remarkable media figure, the late Dr. Abdullah Omran Taryam.

He expressed profound personal loss in Abu Khalid, describing him as a cherished brother and loyal friend known for his noble personality, courageous opinions, pure intentions, unwavering patriotism, and steadfast dedication to the nation’s leadership.

The legacy of the late Dr. Abdullah Omran is enshrined in the memory of his nation, highlighting his sincere and influential contributions. From his pivotal role alongside his late brother Taryam Omran in negotiating the state’s establishment and advocating for its union as part of the nine-member and seven-member negotiation teams, to his leadership as the head of the Ministries of Justice and Education.

On October 19, 1970, he and his brother laid the foundation for the respected media institution, Dar Al Khaleej for Press, Printing, and Publishing, where he assumed the role of chairman of the board after his brother’s passing on May 16, 2002, until his own demise. Dr. Abdullah Omran Taryam was born in Sharjah in 1948. He completed his primary, preparatory, and secondary education in schools across Sharjah and Kuwait.

For higher studies, he moved to Egypt, where he graduated with a degree in History from the Faculty of Arts at Cairo University in 1966. Later, he earned his doctorate in History from the University of Exeter in the UK. Upon returning, he worked as a teacher at Al Orouba Boys Secondary School in Sharjah for two years before the establishment of the UAE. Subsequently, he served as the Director of the Sharjah Education Department from 1968 to 1971. In 1971 and 1972, Dr. Abdullah Omran held the position of Minister for Justice in the UAE’s first federal government.

The following year, he was appointed Minister for Education and later returned to serve as Minister of Justice from 1990 to 1997. During his tenure, he actively contributed to drafting legislation that strengthened judicial independence, reflecting his steadfast commitment to justice — a cornerstone of the nation’s foundation and unity. With a focus on advancing the judiciary system, he engaged in meaningful discussions with Justice Ministries across Arab nations to gather insights and collaborated with local judges and legal experts to refine laws and ensure their effectiveness.

Recognizing the pivotal role of the Ministry of Justice in the legal system and its significance in the success of the Union, the late Dr. Abdullah Omran made significant efforts to simplify and enhance litigation processes. His objective was to build citizens’ trust in the judiciary, particularly during the Union’s early days when people were eager to see its achievements. Following his time at the Ministry of Justice, he committed himself to promoting a judiciary that upheld fairness, transparency, and independence.

On June 1, 1980, he published an article in Al Khaleej newspaper titled “Justice is the Foundation of Governance,” where he offered a thoughtful critique and vision for the Emirati judiciary. He highlighted the necessity of unifying local and federal judicial systems as a step toward greater unity and cohesion. In his concluding remarks, he underscored the guiding principles of the provisional constitution, referencing Article 94, which asserts that justice forms the foundation of governance and affirms the independence of judges, bound only by law and conscience. He also cited Article 95, which outlines the establishment of a Supreme Federal Court (the Constitutional Court) alongside primary courts under the Union.

When the late Dr. Abdullah Omran assumed the role of Minister of Education in 1972, he played a transformative role in advancing education in the country. He established the foundation for the development and widespread adoption of modern education, revamped curricula to align with contemporary needs, and incorporated content that fostered a strong sense of national identity by highlighting the history of the founding fathers and the rich heritage of the Emirates. He also dedicated significant efforts to eradicating illiteracy, promoting adult education, and addressing issues like the over-reliance on private tutoring.

His leadership underscored many key educational priorities, with the Ministry of Education at that time following two complementary paths: focusing both on educating the younger generation and providing learning opportunities for adults. Before taking on this prominent position, another pivotal chapter of Dr. Abdullah Omran’s career unfolded alongside his brother, Taryam Omran. Together, they initiated a groundbreaking venture by founding the newspaper “Al Khaleej” in 1970. Returning from Cairo in 1968 with aspirations to contribute to journalism, they envisioned creating a platform that could address the ambiguity surrounding political developments in the region — an issue compounded by limited access to education at the time. Initially, they launched a monthly political magazine called “Al Shuruq”.

This endeavour eventually led to their ambition of establishing “Al Khaleej”, the region’s first political newspaper. Despite financial constraints — earning modest salaries of no more than Dhs1,500 each — and facing significant risks, their unwavering determination turned their vision into reality. Their resilience and dedication remain a testament to their remarkable resolve and ability to overcome challenges without faltering. Facing a shortage of quality printing presses in Sharjah and the Trucial States, the decision was made to look elsewhere, leading them to Kuwait. They opted for publisher Fajhan Hilal Al Mutairi, known for his Arab nationalist values. Together with his wife, Ghanima Al Marzouq, Al Mutairi ran a modern printing press and published the family magazine Usrati (My Family).

Al Mutairi agreed to print the magazine Al Shuruq and later the newspaper Al Khaleej on credit as a gesture of support to their owners. Despite challenging circumstances, Taryam Omran would travel from Sharjah to Kuwait in the final week of each month, delivering journalistic content and returning with the printed magazine.

This effort eventually led to the launch of Al Khaleej, first published on October 19, 1970. Al Khaleej newspaper became a focal point for numerous professional and political disputes, driven by the concerns of several Kuwaiti newspaper owners who viewed this rising journalistic force as a threat.

The late Taryam Omran notably played an essential role in launching the Al Khaleej Cultural Supplement during the 1970s.

In 2009, Dr. Abdullah Omran was honoured as the Media Personality of the Year. This recognition celebrated his status as one of the foremost pioneers in Arab media and his extensive contributions to journalism, both in the UAE and across the Arab world, spanning over four decades. The award was presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during the concluding ceremony of the ninth Arab Media Forum and Arab Journalism Award. In honour of his memory, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum decreed that “Al Thuraya Street” in Dubai be renamed after him. Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ministry of Education renamed Halwan Secondary School and Suhaib Elementary Education School in Sharjah on May 5, 2014, in honour of the late Dr. Abdullah Omran Taryam.

As part of the “My Address” project, the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs designated a major street on Reem Island after Dr. Abdullah Omran Taryam. Additionally, on February 13, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Emirates Writers Union resolved to name the main hall in its new Abu Dhabi branch after the late Dr. Abdullah Omran. On September 21, 2014, the Sharjah Judicial Training and Studies Institute paid tribute to the late Dr. Abdullah Omran by naming its mock courtroom in his honour during the 5th Legal Book Fair.