UAE: Prince William visits UAE as Britain seeks to deepen ties – Gulf Digital News

UAE: Prince William visits UAE as Britain seeks to deepen ties – Gulf Digital News

Prince William, second in line to the British throne, began on Thursday a visit to the United Arab Emirates, his first official visit to the country for the Duke of Cambridge.

Six of the UAE's emirates ceased being British protectorates 50 years ago when they joined in a federation, while the seventh joined in 1972.

The visit, at the request of Britain's foreign office, comes as it is seeking to deepen trade ties with Gulf Arab states as part of its post-Brexit strategy.

William will visit the Expo 2020 world fair being hosted by Dubai and also promote his environmental award, The Earthshot Prize, and highlight the United for Wildlife campaign which counters the illegal wildlife trade.

"Excited to be arriving in Dubai to celebrate the UK at @DubaiExpo and discuss the vital issue of working together with the UAE and international partners to achieve a more sustainable world," William wrote on Twitter.

Oil-rich UAE last year pledged to invest 10 billion pounds in Britain and has said it wants a free trade pact with it.

But as Britain seeks to engage globally after Brexit, opposition lawmakers and campaigners have criticised the government for prioritising business over human rights concerns.

Britain condemned a January 17 drone and missile