Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), has been named among 100 of the 'World's Most Influential Arabs' by leading Middle Eastern magazine 'Arabian Business'.

Awad, who is cited for his 'commitment to improving Muslim rights and relations' in the United States, is number 39 on the list. Dalia Mogahed, an advisor to President Barack Obama, is number three.

'We appreciate that the efforts of CAIR and its executive director to defend civil rights and improve interfaith relations are being recognised not only in the United States, but worldwide,' said CAIR National Board chairman State Senator Larry Shaw (NC).

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organisation. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.-TradeArabia News Service