Dutch Royals on State Visit to the UAE, Day One

With their arrival on January 07 at the presidential airport of Abu Dhabi, Queen Beatrix, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Crown Princess Máxima started a two-day state visit to the United Arab Emirates, on the invitation of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan, the President of the United Arab Emirates. The Dutch Royals were received by Minister of State, Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemy, senior officials and the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Gerard Michelles.

On January 08, the first day of the visit, the Queen and Crown Prince Couple visited the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. During the tour of the Mosque, they also visited the mausoleum of the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Both Queen Beatrix and Princess Máxima wore the traditional gowns with their heads covered, and Queen Beatrix signed the guestbook.

In the early afternoon, the Dutch Royals were officially welcome by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Khalifa and Queen Beatrix exchanged gifts.

Sheikh Khalifa presented the Order of Zayed, one of the United Arab Emirates’ highest civil decorations, to the Queen. The Prince of Orange and Princess Máxima were also awarded by the President of UAE. Queen Beatrix awarded Sheikh Khalifa one of the most highest and prestigious honours in the Kingdom of Netherlands.

Later, Queen Beatrix and the Crown Prince Couple visited the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT). The Dutch Royals were accompanied by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. The Queen then visited the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Máxima were with her. There were also a number of ministers and senior management of companies specialized in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

Click here to read more about the state visit.

Filed under The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates
Tagged Emirate of Abu Dhabi, King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands, Orders, Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, Religion, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, State Visit.