DUBAI - The Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, arrived in Dubai for a visit on Wednesday.
The Aga Khan is expected to meet the Rulers of Dubai and will brief them about the range of activities being undertaken by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the region. The Aga Khan will also be present at a foundation laying ceremony of the Ismaili Centre in Dubai, where the chief guest will be Gen. Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister. The Ismaili Centre, when completed, will be comparable in scope and standing to existing major centres in London, Vancouver and Lisbon.
The AKDN is a group of private, non-denominational development agencies, whose mandate ranges from health and education to architecture and rural development.