On July 19, 1984, the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, embarked on a historic first official visit to the UK. This momentous event marked a significant milestone in UAE-UK relations, enhancing cooperation and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
During this pivotal visit, Sheikh Khalifa met with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. An official after the meeting stated, “Sheikh Khalifa affirmed during the talks the necessity of finding a just and comprehensive settlement of the Middle East problem and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of a state on their land.”
The leaders also discussed the ongoing Iraq-Iran war, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, and its implications for regional stability and security. They shared similar views on the importance of continued UAE-UK communication to support peace efforts.
Thatcher’s Historic Visit to the UAE
Three years prior, on April 21, 1981, Margaret Thatcher made history as the first sitting UK Prime Minister to visit the UAE. Accompanied by her husband, Sir Denis Thatcher, she was welcomed by the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, then UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
During her visit, Thatcher experienced the rich cultural heritage of the UAE, including playing a goatskin tambourine in Dubai and enjoying a cruise along Dubai Creek in a traditional Arabian sailing boat, the same one used by Queen Elizabeth II during her 1979 visit.
Strengthening Ties Through Key Visits
These official visits and direct engagements between UAE and UK leaders have been instrumental in advancing bilateral cooperation. Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to the UAE in February 1979 saw the inauguration of several significant projects, including the desalination plant at the Dubai Aluminium Smelter in Jebel Ali, Dubai International Trade & Exhibition Centre, Dubai Dry Docks, Dubai Municipality building, and Jebel Ali Port.
Fast forward to the present, President Sheikh Mohamed was among the first world leaders to congratulate Keir Starmer on his appointment as the new UK Prime Minister. In their phone conversation, the UAE President expressed his wishes for Starmer’s success and called for further strengthening of the historical and strategic relations between the UAE and the UK.
