UAE Embassy in UK organises grand reception to celebrate National Day

UAE's Embassy in London welcomed over 500 friends from the UK, UAE, and internationally to a grand reception at London’s famed Natural History Museum in South Kensington to commemorate 51 years since the founding of the UAE. 

The reception, attended by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations, along with other political, cultural, and diplomatic leaders, served to celebrate a year of historic achievements for the UAE. The event also honoured the legacy of the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who presided over a period of extraordinary growth and prosperity for the people of the UAE and remained deeply committed throughout his life to the protection of the natural environment.

The reception was opened by Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the UK, who gave a keynote address highlighting the achievements of the UAE over the past year and celebrated the close friendship the UAE and UK have shared since 1971.

READ MORE

UAE will remain an essential partner for humanity:President

Led by Mohamed Bin Zayed UAE will continue to scale greater heights: VP

Mansoor Abulhoul said, "2022 has been a year of extraordinary global achievements for the UAE, including Expo 2020 Dubai, which welcomed millions from around the world and laid the groundwork for our hosting of global leaders at the COP28 Summit next year."

"Under the guidance and leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, our nation continues to prosper. As UAE Ambassador to the UK, I am proud that the partnership between the UAE and the UK continues to go from strength to strength. This year marked the first anniversary of the UAE and UK’s historic Partnership for the Future, which continues to advance the deep relations our countries share, enabling us to tackle mutual global challenges such as climate change, promote prosperity and security for our citizens, and expand the exchange of knowledge between our nations. Under the new leadership in both our countries, I am certain our partnership will continue to flourish,” he added.

Dignitaries at the event.

Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon said, "In the 51 years since the United Arab Emirates were formed, they have had a large impact on the world. Incredible and colossal economic development have turned the UAE into a powerhouse of trade and investment, and an international centre for culture, sport and international travel."

"Together the UAE and UK are building a ‘Partnership for the Future’ on strong foundations, strengthened by our economic cooperation and agreements on defence and security. The UAE’s membership of the UN Security Council and hosting of COP28 present opportunities to work even more closely on key global issues. With the immense responsibility of hosting COP28, the UK stands ready to work with the UAE to create a healthier and more prosperous world for all," he added.

The reception was hosted by five UAE companies with historic links to the UK: Mubadala Investment Company, Masdar, DP World, Emirates NBD, and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Ahmed Matar Al Mazrouei, Head of Mubadala’s London office, said, "We are proud to support this celebration of the UAE National Day in the UK. The UAE has built a long-standing partnership with the UK by promoting strategic, commercial, and cultural ties. Mubadala, having recently opened an office in the UK, is working with partners to identify strategic opportunities across promising and innovative sectors that will create jobs, strengthen national research and development capabilities, and promote economic growth in both countries.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said, "As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 51st National Day, Masdar looks back on an especially productive year, only made possible by the ongoing support of the UAE leadership. We announced major projects and collaborations, such as the UK’s Arlington Energy, and have big plans for even more. Celebrating the UAE’s 51st National Day with our UK partners is a wonderful way to honour our long-term and growing partnership in sustainability with the UK.”

WAM