Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee: UAE celebrates lifetime of friendship with UK

Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee: UAE celebrates lifetime of friendship with UK

Today, both countries share a thriving bilateral relationship covering economic, strategic and cultural interests. However, the British monarch Queen Elizabeth II built the foundation for the lifelong friendship, starting with her first state visit in 1979.

First state visit in 1979

A close friend of the UAE, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has witnessed the entirety of the Emirates' history during her inspiring tenure. The most travelled monarch in the world, Queen Elizabeth has visited the UAE twice – in 1979 and in 2010.

Greeted at the dockside by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE, Queen Elizabeth hosted a grand reception on board the royal yacht Britannia. Her visit lasted three days, beginning with a city tour, including the Corniche Hospital and a stop at the British School Al Khubairat.

Older residents of the UAE remember the Emirates enjoying a holiday atmosphere as the streets had lined up to watch the Queen and Sheikh Zayed’s royal convoy pass by. She also visited Al Ain University and was greeted by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum upon arrival in Dubai.

A royal plaque was unveiled at the Dubai Municipality building, and the Queen and her husband, the late Prince Philip, had attended