UAE President confers First-Class Order of Zayed II on Archbishop Christophe Z. El-Kassis

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has awarded the First‑Class Order of Zayed II to the Holy See’s departing ambassador in recognition of his efforts to foster tolerance and human fraternity.

State honour marks end of diplomatic posting

ABU DHABI, 18 September 2026 – President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred the First‑Class Order of Zayed II on Archbishop Christophe Z. El‑Kassis as he concludes his tenure as Ambassador of the Holy See to the United Arab Emirates.

The decoration was presented by Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, during a meeting at the office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai. Mr Al Marar praised Archbishop El‑Kassis for his contribution to advancing the culture and values of tolerance and human fraternity during his service in the UAE.

Archbishop El‑Kassis expressed his sincere appreciation to the President and commended the UAE’s role in promoting tolerance, coexistence and mutual respect. The exchange underlined the two parties’ shared emphasis on interfaith dialogue and cooperative relations between the UAE and the Holy See.

The presentation of the First‑Class Order of Zayed II coincides with the formal close of Archbishop El‑Kassis’s diplomatic posting. The honour was bestowed in recognition of his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and to promote principles that both the UAE and the Holy See have repeatedly identified as central to peaceful coexistence.

While the meeting took place at the federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dubai, the award itself was conferred by the UAE President, reflecting the national-level recognition of Archbishop El‑Kassis’s service. The ceremony forms part of a wider pattern of diplomatic courtesies that mark the conclusion of ambassadorial tenures and acknowledge contributions to intercultural and interreligious initiatives.

Officials present noted the continuity of engagement between the UAE and the Holy See on issues of common concern, including tolerance and social cohesion, which remain priorities for both sides. The award also serves as a public affirmation of the UAE’s ongoing policy stance on fostering dialogue across faiths and communities.

The First‑Class Order of Zayed II was given in the context of the ambassador’s departure and is intended to recognise the substantive work undertaken during his posting rather than to signal any new policy decisions.

Source: WAM