His Majesty arrives in Abu Dhabi
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik arrived in Abu Dhabi today on a two-day state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates led the welcoming party for His Majesty at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Mohammed wished His Majesty and his accompanying delegating a pleasant stay in the UAE.
His Majesty was also received by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court (Head of the Mission of Honour); Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and National Security Adviser; Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court and Mohammed bin Nakhira Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Oman.
When the Royal aircraft entered UAE airspace, it was joined by a fleet of UAE military aircrafts that escorted it in a gesture of warm welcome until it landed at the Presidential Airport in the UAE Capital, Abu Dhabi.
After a short rest at the airport, His Majesty, accompanied by the UAE President, mounted a vehicle that took them over to Qasr Al Watan (Palace of the Nation) where official and popular reception ceremonies were held.
As the motorcade of the two leaders entered the main gate of the Palace, two sets of cavalrymen and cameleers lined the street and a flypast by ceremonial aircraft sketched the Sultanate of Oman’s flag in the sky over the ceremony, while the artillery fired a 21-gun salute to His Majesty.
Folklore troupes also joined the ceremony, chanting popular songs and poetic verses of welcome to His Majesty, while groups of children waved flags in a demonstration of friendship and fraternity.
Upon the arrival of the motorcade at the main reception grounds in the Palace, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed accompanied His Majesty to the Dais of Honour, where the Omani Royal Anthem and the UAE National Anthem were played. Then His Majesty and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed inspected the Guard of Honour that gave the salute to His Majesty the Sultan.
After that, a commemorative photo was taken of His Majesty the Sultan and Sheikh Mohammed bin recording the historic visit of His Majesty.
His Majesty then shook hands with members of the welcoming party.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed in turn shook hands with members of the official delegation accompanying His Majesty, wishing them a pleasant stay.
After that, His Majesty the Sultan and His Highness the Sheikh went to hold an official discussion session.
During the visit, His Majesty the Sultan is accompanied by a high-ranking official delegation comprising His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs; His Highness Sayyid Bilarab bin Haitham Al Said; Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court; General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nomani, Minister of the Royal Office; Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior; Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister; Dr Hamad bin Said Al Aufi, Head of the Private Office; Abdussalam bin Mohammed Al Murshidi, Chairman of Oman Investment Authority and Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion and Sayyid Dr Ahmed bin Hilal Al Busaidi, Ambassador of Oman to the UAE.
This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.