Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, received the "Researcher Statesman" award for his role in promoting peace and tolerance worldwide. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy presented the international award to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, acknowledging his leadership in global peace efforts and the promotion of religious tolerance.
**A Well-Deserved Award**
Robert Satloff, the Executive Director of the Institute, noted during the occasion that "the Researcher Statesman award is granted to leaders and public figures whose achievements are grounded in ideals, who possess political acumen, and who are capable of elevating their peoples and countries to the status they deserve, with a deep understanding of the world around them. You certainly deserve this award, sir." Satloff praised the Crown Prince's decision to establish peace with Israel through the Abraham Accords and welcomed the flourishing of religious diversity within the UAE.
The Washington Institute characterized Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed as a "bold and visionary figure," leading the pathway to peace between the UAE and Israel, paving the way for other Arab countries to fully engage in their own agreements. Satloff added that "the Crown Prince's pioneering leadership made peace agreements between Israel and Arab nations possible, raising the level of peace from diplomatic relations to a comprehensive peace that includes politics, economics, culture, and the relations of the two peoples, and even beyond that." He continued, "Your courageous decision paved the way for peace agreements from the ocean to the Gulf." Additionally, he noted, "Your commitment to tolerance and opening the doors of the UAE to all Abrahamic religions is evident in the churches, temples, and religious institutions in the country." He shared, "I had the honor of seeing the Abrahamic Family House yesterday, which consists of three equally sized and designed buildings: a church, a synagogue, and a mosque. This is the tolerance that has extended to religious and community institutions and reflected the values of coexistence among everyone in this country." He mentioned that "this is the model we hope all countries in the region will emulate." He stated, "For these reasons, the Washington Institute for Near East Policy is honored to grant you this award, which is the Institute's special medal for statesmanship."
**Gains of Peace**
Regarding the decision to establish peace with Israel, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stated, "We found an opportunity and decided to have a diplomatic relationship, and this is an important decision for many reasons." He explained, "The first is for the Palestinians themselves, the second is to send a clear message to the world and the region that we are seeking peace, and the third is a message we inherited from our founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was a bearer of a message of peace and love since the beginning of his life in establishing this nation. This is his vision, and we are walking this path."
He clarified that "the gains of peace far outweigh the losses, and the UAE aspires to greater peace for the common good."
**Congratulations from the Israeli President**
Israeli President Isaac Herzog congratulated Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the award, affirming that his decisions for peace are a historic turning point for the region. In a recorded message sent to the honoring ceremony, Herzog stated, "On behalf of myself and the State of Israel, I congratulate Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on this award from the Washington Institute," adding in Arabic: "Congratulations." He continued, "For the Israeli people, peace is the goal we pray for every day, and I am honored to be in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the peacemaker."
Herzog noted that "the Abraham Accords and the steps taken by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to welcome all followers of the Abrahamic religions in the UAE represent a historic turning point for us." He emphasized that "these decisions will lead to a brighter and more peaceful future for all countries and peoples of the Middle East. It is a complete radical change, and I commend and congratulate everyone involved in achieving the Abraham Accords."
He added, "Let us look at the brave decision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which will contribute to transforming the region into a center for innovation, a haven for stability, and a home for respecting religions." He expressed hope for working together to deepen relations between the two countries and achieve a stage of integration. He noted, "When I see the prosperity of the UAE in all fields such as artificial intelligence and technology, and the flourishing of the Jewish community through this cooperation, we realize we are on the right track."
The Israeli president thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al Otaiba, and expressed his anticipation of welcoming them in Jerusalem soon. He also expressed hope for working towards deepening peace and cooperation between the two countries and in the Middle East. He concluded his remarks by thanking everyone in Arabic, stating: "Thank you."
**About the Award and Notable Recipients**
The Researcher Statesman award from the Institute celebrates distinguished leaders who embody, through their public service and professional accomplishments, the idea that an exceptional understanding of history is essential for wise and effective policymaking and promoting peace and security in the Middle East. Past recipients include Jordan's King Abdullah II, former Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, former U.S. President Bill Clinton, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. It has also been awarded to former U.S. Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice, Henry Kissinger, and George Shultz, and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta.
