Prince Charles arrives in UAE

HRH Charles, the Prince of Wales, and his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, arrived today in the UAE for a three-day private visit.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, received Prince Charles and his accompanying delegation at the airport.

Among others present were Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Saqr bin Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi, Minister of Justice, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Dr. Sultan bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State. In attendance was also Philip Parham, British Ambassador to the UAE.

At an official reception, Prince Charles inspected the Guards of Honour and shook hands with senior officials. Then H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan accompanied him to the VIP Hall, where they exchanged cordial talks.

Sheikh Abdullah also accompanied Prince Charles during his tour to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, SZGM.

Prince Charles was also accompanied by Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Dr. Mohammed Mattar Salem Al Kaabi, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Dr. Mohamed Ateeq Al Falahi, the UAE Red Crescent General Secretary, Dr. Hamad Al Shaibani, Director General of the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities in Dubai, Sulaiman Hamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom and others.

Prince Charles' visit to SZGM included a panel discussion on religious tolerance and co- existence that reflects the message of the wise leadership, aimed at being delivered through a number of channels, including the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Grand Mosque centre.

The tour began by visiting the mausoleum of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, where they recalled his merits, values and wise approach, which contributed to enhancing tolerance, existence and peace among all peoples across the world.

They next toured various sections of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to view its magnificent architectural design, which reflects the beauty and uniqueness of Islamic architecture.

Prince Charles also visited the photo gallery showcased in one of the halls of the mosque. It included a number of pictures that tell the story of the arrival of Islam to the UAE. Later, Prince Charles received a number of scholars and clerics representing various sects and religious communities that live in safety and security in the UAE.

At the end of the tour, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall signed the distinguished visitors’ book.