ISLAMABAD, Dec 27: United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan announced $50 million for the construction of a modern hospital in Islamabad. A statement issued by the UAE ambassador Ali Mohammad Al-Shamsi on Tuesday said the president made the announcement at the conclusion of his talks with President Gen Pervez Musharraf.

He said the hospital would be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and latest design.

Mr Shamsi said the hospital would meet the increasing medical needs of the inhabitants of the capital and the surrounding areas.

The ambassador said this vital project would be carried out in coordination with the Pakistan authorities, and the UAE would supervise all stages of its construction.

The hospital will be named as Sheikh Khalifa Hospital and its construction will start soon, he added.