Dr Abdullah Omran Taryam co-founder of Al Khaleej newspaper dies at 66

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs today announced the death of Dr Abdullah Omran Taryam, one of the UAE's founding fathers of journalism.

DUBAI // One of the founding fathers of journalism in the UAE has passed away at the age of 66.

Dr Abdullah Omran Taryam, a former Minister of Education and Minister of Justice, died early on Thursday morning after suffering from a stroke.

He and his brother, the late Taryam Omran Taryam, established Al Khaleej newspaper in 1970, which became the Dar Al Khaleej group. The company now produces six publications.

Messages of condolence were sent to Dr Taryam’s family from across the UAE and Middle East.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the nation had lost a loyal son, reported the state news agency Wam.

“I offer condolences to our people on the death of Dr Abdullah Omran Taryam, Emirati loyal son, statesman and renowned media person,” he said.

“Today I lost a dear brother, Abu Khaled, and a loyal friend, known of good conduct, courage, clarity of opinion, intention and sense of belonging and loyalty to his homeland and leadership.”

Sheikh Mohammed said Dr Taryam had contributed to the UAE’s Union alongside the founding fathers, had occupied top posts in the Government and contributed to establishing a prestigious media group at local and Arab levels.

Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, also paid tribute to Mr Taryam.

“Abdullah was one of the national symbols who contributed to the Union. He also promoted local and Arab media. May Almighty Allah rest his soul in eternal peace,” he said.

The Speaker of the Arab Parliament in Cairo, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Jarwan, said Dr Taryam was “a loyal Emirati and symbol of the UAE and Arab media”.

He also reiterated that Dr Taryam was among those who contributed effectively in the founding of the UAE.

Dr Taryam received a degree in history from the University of Cairo in 1966, then completed his doctorate in modern history at the University of Exeter in the UK.

He was the UAE’s first Minister of Justice from 1971 to 1972, then Minister of Education from 1972 to 1979.

Prayers for Dr Taryam will be held after Friday prayers at King Faisal Mosque in Sharjah. He will be buried at Jubail cemetery in Sharjah.