SimplyAbuDhabi XLIII

F rom their dedication to public service and interfaith dialogue, to their shared passions for historical and architectural preservation, both His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed and King Charles have more in common than may at first glance be apparent. Both have long advocated for interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance, promoting understanding and cooperation among different religious communities, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and harmony. Each has a keen interest in historical preservation and the architectural and cultural heritage of his respective land – while innovating for the future. While many may know that His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed attended Sandhurst in Great Britain, they may not be aware that King Charles III, before his 2015 visit to the UAE and four other nations in the region, dedicated six months to learning Arabic in order to decipher the inscriptions in museums and archaeological works, as well as to read the Quran in its original language. Like his late father, His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed has also been a lifelong proponent of fostering interfaith and intercultural understanding and respect. To give just one example, he welcomed Pope Francis to Abu Dhabi, marking the first ever papal visit to the Arabian Peninsula, in 2019. It was during this visit that the Document of Human Fraternity joint declaration, also known as the Abu Dhabi Declaration, was signed by Pope Francis and Sheikh Ahmed el-tayeb, Grand Iman of Al-Azhar, urging peace among all people in the world. This inspired the United Nations to establish 4th February to be celebrated as International Day of Human Fraternity. His Prince Charles Charitable Foundation has long partnered with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation to offer traditional arts workshops in the Emirati capital. As a keen painter himself, King Charles has drawn inspiration over the years from the Middle East. His artwork includes watercolours of Aqaba in Jordan, and Port of Suez, Wadi Arkam and Diriyah in Saudi Arabia. The active pursuit of all forms of knowledge from a local and international perspective has also been central to His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed’s education. His learning included spending as much time at his father’s majlis and with tribal elders as he did in formal schooling in both Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, as well as in the United Kingdom. The two leaders met at the United Nations Climate Change Conference – known as COP28 - in Dubai, at the end of 2023. COP28 was the biggest conference of its kind in history, with some 85,000 participants, including more than 150 Heads of State and Government, among the representatives of national delegations, civil society, business, Indigenous Peoples, youth, philanthropy, and international organizations. His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed King Charles III’s to the UAE and his participation in COP28, expressing appreciation for his efforts in supporting climate and environmental issues. Their meeting served as a platform to address cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of sustainability, environmental protection, and climate action, and to hold up COP28 as a key way to advancing transformative solutions for the benefit of all nations. Royalty is sometimes – particularly in theWesternworld – perceived as ceremonial, admired mainly for upholding tradition or exuding a certain glamour. But the fact is, royalty has resonance in this modern world. The standards they uphold bestow a strong sense of continuity and stability to society. Their timeless traditions, ceremonies, and acts of service remind us of our shared history and the enduring bonds that unite us across generations – and in the case of the UK and the UAE, across geographies, languages, and cultures. Royalty also serves as a source of inspiration and hope. A sense of a brighter future is displayed at its highest level by His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed and King Charles III. Through their charitable work, public engagements, and dedication to causes close to their hearts, they set an example of compassion and kindness for others to follow. Their presence in communities, whether through visits, patronage of charitable organizations, or simply by being visible figures of goodwill, uplifts spirits and brings joy to countless lives. Moreover, the symbolism of royalty fosters a sense of national pride and unity for each of our nations, both individually and collectively. Royals represent the values and aspirations of their cultures, embodying the collective dreams and aspirations of their people. Their commitment to duty and service instils a sense of pride in the citizenry and inspires them to uphold those values and ideals. To see the leader of your country on the world stage, making an indelible impact and representing your heritage and culture so profoundly, fosters a deeper connection to your own country as well as to your fellow global citizens. That’s true resonance. Royalty enriches our everyday lives by reminding us of the beauty of tradition, the power of service, and the importance of unity. The leadership of His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed and King Charles III serves as a beacon of light in times of darkness, inspiring us to strive for a better world filled with compassion, respect, and understanding. As leaders, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Majesty King Charles III have much in common. Together, they are working to create a more secure and sustainable future for us all. United In Service Simply Abu Dhabi | 191