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The recognition under the Dubai International Holy Quran Award is one of the region's most prestigious honors. Sheikh Zayed was chosen as the third recipient by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who praised Sheikh Zayed for his pivotal role in regional affairs. "He is an Islamic leader who has taken Islam as his point of departure in all matters relating to contemporary issues that call for awareness and insight," Sheikh Mohammed said during the ceremony.

Affectionately known as the founder of the nation, Sheikh Zayed built mosques worldwide, donated hundreds of millions of dirhams to charitable causes, and ordered the free translation and distribution of the Quran. He also financed the construction of schools, homes, and hospitals across the Islamic world and established the Zayed Philanthropic Foundation.