Burj Khalifa lights up with Jacinda Ardern's photo to pay tribute

DUBAI: New Zealand Prime Minister  Jacinda Ardern's  iconic image of hugging one of the victims after the Christchurch terrorist attack was projected on the world'tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, in Dubai on Friday.

 The Burj Khalifa  lit up with Jacinda Arden's hijab-clad photo last night (Friday night) in gratitude for the support the great leader shown towards the Muslim community in the aftermath of Christchurch mosques attack that killed 50 worshippers.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE as well as the Ruler of Dubai, thanked the New Zealand Prime Minister  for her "sincere empathy and support" to the Muslim community.

He also praised New Zealand’s communities for their solidarity with their Muslim neighbors against the hate crime.

Sheikh Mohammed said, “New Zealand today fell silent in honour of the mosque attacks' martyrs. Thank you PM @jacindaardern and New Zealand for your sincere empathy and support that has won the respect of 1.5 billion Muslims after the terrorist attack that shook the Muslim community around the world”.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was among the thousands of mourners who gathered at a park in front of the Al-Noor mosque During Friday prayer, followed by two minutes of silence. Azaan (call to prayer) was broadcast nationally across all free-to-air TV and radio stations.