On July 19, 1984, exactly 40 years ago, Khaleej Times reported on the momentous first official visit to the UK by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who at the time was the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. This visit was pivotal in enhancing the UAE-UK bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation and economic ties between the two nations. During this visit, the UAE also sought UK support for Arab issues and peace initiatives in the Middle East.
Sheikh Khalifa, who later became the second president of the UAE in November 2004, met with then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. According to Khaleej Times, an official stated post-meeting that “Sheikh Khalifa emphasized the importance of achieving a just and comprehensive resolution to the Middle East conflict, including the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of a state on their land.” The official also mentioned that both leaders discussed the Iraq-Iran war and its impact on regional stability, agreeing on the necessity for ongoing UAE-UK engagements to support peace efforts.
Three years prior to Sheikh Khalifa’s visit, Thatcher made history as the first sitting UK Prime Minister to visit the UAE on April 21, 1981, accompanied by her husband, Sir Denis Thatcher. A photograph captured by KT photographer Shaheedi shows Thatcher being welcomed by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who was the UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai at the time. Several sheikhs, ministers, and diplomats welcomed Thatcher and her delegation, who were accommodated in top hotels.
The next day, April 22, Thatcher visited Dubai and participated in traditional activities, including playing a goatskin tambourine and enjoying a cruise along Dubai Creek in a traditional Arabian sailing boat, similar to the one used by Queen Elizabeth II during her first official visit to the UAE in February 1979. These official visits and direct meetings between UAE and UK leaders were crucial in advancing cooperation between the two countries.
During Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to the UAE in February 1979, she was warmly received by Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Rashid, and members of the Supreme Council. The British monarch inaugurated several significant projects, including the desalination plant at the Dubai Aluminium Smelter in Jebel Ali, the Dubai International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Dubai Dry Docks, Dubai Municipality building, and Jebel Ali Port.
In the present day, President Sheikh Mohamed was among the first world leaders to congratulate Keir Starmer on his appointment as the new UK Prime Minister. During a phone conversation, President Sheikh Mohamed expressed his wishes for Starmer’s success and emphasized the importance of further strengthening the historical and strategic relations between the UAE and the UK.
