Prince William arrives in UAE as Britain seeks to deepen ties

Gulf Today Report

Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, on Thursday met Prince William at Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi.

During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled and Prince William discussed their work on globally impactful sustainability initiatives. They were briefed on Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi's (EAD's) ongoing work to protect the environment and enhance biodiversity and the Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative.

The initiative marks Prince William's visit, aiming to establish the emirate as a leading global centre for research and innovation on mangrove conservation and resilience.

Sheikh Khalid looks on (left) as Prince William interacts with other officials at Jubail Mangrove Park in Abu Dhabi.

The initiative, which will be implemented by EAD and has formed its first partnership with conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) — of which Queen Elizabeth II is patron — will provide a platform for innovation in mangrove research, climate change mitigation, and community engagement. It will also see a state-of-the-art mangrove nursery established in Abu Dhabi as a research, learning, and outreach centre.

The initiative will enable the mass scaling of mangrove recovery as a key nature-based solution to biodiversity and climate crises through research and innovation. These areas will provide sources of connection to nature, carbon stores, havens for biodiversity and sustainable incomes for local communities.

Earlier, Prince William, second in line to the British throne, arrived in Dubai for his first major royal overseas visit in more than two years.

READ MORE

Queen Elizabeth begins celebrations to mark 70 years on throne

Sanctions will be ready if Russia attacks Ukraine: Johnson

He will carry out engagements in Dubai on Thursday with the aim of celebrating British talent in the region and promoting conservation efforts.

Prince William announces his arrival on Instagram on Wednesday night with a photo taken through an airplane window.

Kensington Palace said it was the Duke of Cambridge's first official visit to the UAE.

The visit, at the request of Britain's Foreign Office, comes as it is seeking to deepen trade ties with wealthy Gulf Arab states as part of its post-Brexit strategy.

William will visit the Expo 2020 world fair being hosted by Dubai and also promote his environmental award, The Earthshot Prize, and highlight the United for Wildlife campaign which counters the illegal wildlife trade.

Kensington Palace said it was the Duke of Cambridge's first official visit to the UAE.

"Excited to be arriving in Dubai to celebrate the UK at @DubaiExpo and discuss the vital issue of working together with the UAE and international partners to achieve a more sustainable world," William wrote on Twitter.