OXFORD, 21st May, 2017 (WAM) -- The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation has inaugurated the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, along with the Sheikh Khalifa Building to house students affiliated with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, funded by the foundation at a cost of AED120 million, in the city of Oxford, United Kingdom.

The buildings construction is an implementation of the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with the follow-up of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Foundation.

The ceremony was attended by H.R.H. Prince Charles, Crown Prince of Great Britain and Prince of Wales, and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister.

Prince Charles, the Honorary President of the Centre, expressed his appreciation of new building's opening at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and considered this an important phase in the development of the centre.

In his speech, he praised the generosity of several leaders from Arab and Islamic countries for financing the new building, saying the building will allow officials to continue pursuing its noble mission during the coming years to teach Islamic Studies and build bridges of understanding between cultures and civilisations.

The centres new building will include essential academic facilities, including classrooms, lecture halls, a library, housing for students, as well a place for prayers.

The new building at the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies is considered an important architectural icon that represents the importance of communication between different countries that support the dialogue between civilisations. The project was completed through a personal contribution from Prince Charles, as well as many countries and international figures, boosting the launch of a new era in the history of the Islamic Centre, which was established 30 years ago.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.