As Salam   Alaykum
      
  It is, as always, a great pleasure to welcome you to Al   Shindagah.
  
  In this issue, we are delighted to warmly congratulate our   chairman, Mr. Khalaf Al Habtoor, on the tremendous achievement of receiving the   Doctorate of Humane Letters from Illinois College, USA.  Illinois College is one   of the best known universities in the United States, and counts amongst its past   students many great historical leaders, both of politics and of   society.
  
  This honour was supported by US Congressman and long time   friend Mr. Paul Findley, and the President of Illinois College, Professor Axel   D. Steuer, who both vouched for Mr. Al Habtoor’s inclusion into the prestigious   Phi Alpha Literary Society.
  
  These are outstanding milestones on his   continued path of success, and we are thrilled to be able to share this   achievement with you in the pages that follow.
  
  With his head held high,   Mr. Al Habtoor has returned to the UAE to continue his support of a wide range   of educational and humanitarian activates.  His vision of education is one that   will continue to inspire us, and the fruit of his work will no doubt be   highlighted in many future editions of this magazine.  
  
  Also in this   edition, come with us on a journey to see the spectacular paradise of Bu Tinah,   which is in the running to be one of the seven natural wonders of the world   located right here in our home of the United Arab Emirates.
  
  I hope that   you enjoy the range of interesting articles in this edition of Al Shindagah, and   we would welcome your thoughts, comments and feedback as we continue to shape   and develop our group’s flagship publication.
  
  Sincerely, 
  Saif Al   Mazrooei