SimplyAbuDhabi XLIII

T he historic relationship between the United Kingdom’s royal family and the royal families of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been rooted in diplomatic ties, trade relations, and historical connections that have evolved over the years. The relationship is characterized by mutual respect, cooperation, and collaboration on various fronts, and it’s one that has rich resonance for citizens of each nation. Together, we are united in our immense and humble respect for our visionary leaders, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and King Charles III, who are moving this relationship forward into the future and forging legacies will live on for generations. Over the years, members of the UK royal family have engaged in diplomatic visits and state visits to the UAE, and vice versa. Our recently lost and lamented leaders, may they rest in peace, truly valued the important friendship between the two nations. Queen Elizabeth II made an historic visit to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 2010, spending two days touring the Zayed Museum and visiting dignitaries of the Ruling Family. During the visit, the Abu Dhabi Declaration 2010 was signed, with His Highness SheikhAbdullah Bin ZayedAl Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirming the 1971 friendship treaty between the two nations. And in 2013, President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited the UK for the first time, marking the second-ever visit by a UAE president since Sheikh Zayed’s visit in 1989. As these visits continue in the modern era, they serve to strengthen bilateral relations, foster cultural understanding, and promote economic ties. The exchange of visits also reflects the importance both nations place on maintaining diplomatic and friendly relations. King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, visited the Emirates in 2014, and was received by former president, the late Mohammed bin Zayed. At the time, the British Ambassador to the UAE remarked that “The Prince of Wales’ visit symbolises the long-standing friendship between our royal families and demonstrates the partnership at the highest level” and stated that “these personal ties act as a foundation in the relationship between the UK and the UAE and will allow us to collaborate with confidence on the many issues that our people are passionate about, including critical issues in the region and around the world”. Trade and economic cooperation have been key components of the relationship between the two royal families and their respective nations. The UAE, with its strategic location and thriving economy, has become an essential partner for the UK in terms of trade, investment, and business collaboration. The UK royal family’s involvement in fostering economic ties is often seen as a reflection of the importance attached to the UAE-UK partnership. And both leaders recognise that their leadership is critical to the advancement of a prosperous and secure future for all nations, as King Charles’ inspiring speech at the COP-28 event held in Dubai so powerfully illustrated. Cultural and educational exchanges have also played a role in enhancingUAE-UK ties. The exchange of students, scholars, and cultural delegations has contributed to a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures and values. The royal families, through their patronage of cultural events and initiatives, have furthered the promotion of cultural ties between the two nations. The relationship is dynamic and multifaceted, involving not only the monarchs and royal family members but also encompassing cultural dimensions. Nearly a quarter of a million British citizens live in the Emirates, and over a million more Brits visit the UAE every year for business and leisure. And the interest goes both ways: Britain remains one of the most popular destinations for UAE expats and is the most popular choice of Emirati students travelling overseas for their higher education, with around 40,000 Emiratis visiting the UK every year. The relationship reflects the broader diplomatic ties between the United Kingdom and the UAE, characterized by mutual interests, shared values, and a commitment to cooperation on regional and global issues. It’s clear that a strong bond of alliance, friendship and reverence for the ruling royal families continue to unite the people of the UK and the UAE. A long history of cooperation marks the relationship between the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates. Our royal leaders are moving this dynamic forward, forging ever- stronger bonds between the two nations. A Sustainable Future For All Simply Abu Dhabi | 153