The Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, opened the 14th edition of the annual Dar Al Khaleej Conference held in Sharjah on Saturday under the theme “The GCC: Reality and Aspirations.”   
Sheikh Nahyan devoted the bulk of his speech to highlighting the achievements of former Chairman of Dar Al Khaleej, Dr Abdullah Omran Taryam, with whom he sat side-by-side at the conference’s editions consistently for over a decade. Dr Abdullah passed away on January 30.
“No one can deny the shock that we had on the demise of Dr Abdullah who left his post vacant. We cried from the depth of our hearts over his departure and shed the dear tears for him,” he said, before praying and wishing that “he would be placed in paradise.”
Addressing a large gathering of media and academic figures, he said, “Today we celebrate the achievements of the late Dr Abdullah, as a founder of Dar Al Khaleej and the UAE University, and as a former Minister for Justice and later Education. He was a man who worked and achieved. 
“His name will be undoubtedly carved in the hearts of us all. He was a real model citizen who was able to take up a challenge and responsibility and sincerely served his nation.”
In his introductory remarks, Dr Yusuf Hassan, a former Minister Delegate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who was a close friend of the late Dr Abdullah Omran, talked passionately about Dr Abdullah and his late brother, Taryam Omran, both of whom founded Dar Al Khaleej in 1970.
“We all feel sorry over the demise of that great figure and his brother, Taryam, but our consolation lies in the fact that we still have their touches in everything in the press and media field.”
Carrying on his legacy
Sheikh Nahyan noted that Dr Abdullah, with his brother Taryam, founded a press academy, and he was actually the doyen of journalism. He hoped that his sons and daughters would follow in his steps on the road to the country’s promotion and welfare. “May he rest in peace.”
The Chairman of Dar Al Khaleej, Khalid Abdullah Omran, made the remarks on behalf of the family and vowed, “We are committed to take the responsibility and follow in the steps of the late Dr Abdullah Omran Taryam to keep the march of Dar Al Khaleej.” 
He thanked Sheikh Nahyan and all the dignitaries for their participation in the conference, stressing that they thus ensure the great role of Dar Al Khaleej.
“The late Dr Abdullah was not only a press figure, but also an honest man who faithfully served his country. We felt deep sorrow over his departure, but we can overcome all the feelings of loss with your support.”
He said that “Dr Abdullah was a man of responsibility who accomplished the foundation of Dar Al Khaleej with his late brother Taryam, with whose departure our conference coincides.”
Doyen of journalism
The Director of the Dubai Press Club, Mona Bu Samra, spoke on behalf of the organisation. She spoke as if she were with Dr Abdullah yesterday.
“Just last December, I visited him at Dar Al Khaleej and discussed media and Arab issues. He told me that Al Khaleej’s doors will be ever open to any journalist and any person who desires to discuss the issues of the Arab nation. Dr Abdullah was a great figure. We actually missed the doyen of journalism who supported the Arab Journalism Award.”
Source : Gulf Today