Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest reigning monarch, has died at home in Balmoral Scotland, aged 96, surrounded by her children including her eldest son, now King Charles III. As the world mourns the loss of an icon, a pillar of continuity to count on during times of change, we take a look back on Her Majesty’s reign and what she not only meant to Great Britain, its Kingdoms and the people of the Commonwealth, but what her leadership and devoted service meant to the people of the UAE.
As an outcry of condolences and tributes fill social media feeds to reflect the monarch’s life in ruling, leaders of the UAE take to Twitter to grieve not only an inspirational leader but the loss of a dear friend. President Sheikh Mohamed, Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Leader of The United Arab Emirates shared his thoughts;
“I extend my sincere condolences to the family of Queen Elizabeth II and the people of the UK. Her Majesty was a close friend of the UAE and a beloved and respected leader whose long reign was characterized by dignity, compassion and a tireless commitment to serving her country”
Tweet from Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, who had a longstanding relationship with the Queen for many years, said:
“We join the world in mourning the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, a global icon who represented the finest qualities of her nation and people. Her incredible lifetime of service and duty to the United Kingdom is unparalleled in our modern world.”
Even Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai shared his thoughts via Twitter, commemorating the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
Queen of love, wisdom and humanity. The world will miss you. pic.twitter.com/ZRNk9TBoaH
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) September 8, 2022
What Queen Elizabeth meant to the UAE and its people
More than 43 years ago, a British royal yacht, HMY Britannia docked at the port of Abu Dhabi with Queen Elizabeth II on board on February 26, 1979. Greeted at the dockside by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Majesty hosted a grand reception for the Queen that symbolized only the start of a fruitful friendship and bond between the two nations.
Some of the earliest images show the Queen having a tour of Abu Dhabi and the surrounding emirates. A country which at the time was only 8 years old and barely had any infrastructure but from the start of its rags to riches journey had the support of Her Majesty the Queen of the UK and its people.
The monarch returned to the UAE in 2010 as part of the UK government’s initiatives to renew relations with the UAE. During the visit, she toured the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and paid her respects at the tomb of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, attended a ceremony commemorating the commencement of the Zayed National Museum which the British Embassy hosted an event to celebrate the special partnership between the UK and UAE.
At the heart of the event was the re-affirmation of the 1971 Treaty of Friendship between the UK and the UAE. The agreement was signed by the Foreign Ministers of both countries. She also met with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, where they discussed the importance of UAE-UK bilateral relationships.
Even during times of sadness and change of rulership in the UAE, the Queen remained true to her support of The United Arab Emirates and its people by extending her condolences with the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on May 13.
“I am saddened to hear of the death of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Your distinguished brother devoted his life to serving the people of the United Arab Emirates and his relationship with its allies and friends. He will be long remembered by all who work for regional stability, understanding between nations and between faiths, and for the conservation cause.”
Buckingham Palace’s released statement of The Queen’s condolences
Two great nations; each ruler of different cultures and traditions, who shared the same vision of growth, prosperity, and stability, truly knew the power of working together to build up one another for a Kingdom they each envisioned to rule.
To a continuation of an impeccable bond between two nations, may Her Majesty the Queen rest in peace as the new leadership passes over to King Charles III. #GodSavetheKing