The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates expresses its sincerest condolences to the British Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth on the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September 2022 after a lifetime of devoted service.
As is clearly apparent from the huge number of documents on this website provided by courtesy of the UK National Archives, that the United Arab Emirates and the UK have shared a considerable amount of history for several hundred years and, as part of that history, the Trucial States were afforded the protection of Great Britain. Those Trucial States were, on 2 December 1971, formed into a country under the wise leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the other founding Rulers of the Emirates. The UAE, as part of the ceremony after its formation, signed a Treaty of Friendship with the UK on 2 December 1971.
Even before the Union, in 1969 the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan visited the UK and met with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in London. Similarly, in the same year the late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former Ruler of Dubai, also visited Her Majesty. Soon after the Union was formed on 2 December, 1971, Her Majesty visited the UAE on a state visit spending time in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain and Jebel Dhanna – always taking a close interest in the astonishing developments and wishing to maintain close ties with the new country.
This exhibition is a tribute to Her Majesty showcasing photographs and videos of her state visits to the UAE in 1979 and 2010 and the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the UAE, and the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the second President of the UAE, state visits to the UK in 1989 and 2013. In addition, the exhibition also covers Sheikh Zayed’s and Sheikh Rashid's visits to the UK in 1969. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has also made many official visits to the UK and, since his accession as President of the UAE on 14 May 2022, has always sought to maintain a close and friendly relationship with the UK.
The National Library and Archives is proud of its association with the UK through the UK National Archives and other institutions and offers its congratulations to His Majesty King Charles III, also a frequent visitor and friend of the UAE, on his accession to the British throne.
Author: UAE National Library and Archives
"None of us underestimates the challenges ahead: but history has shown that when nations come together in common cause, there is always room for hope. Working side by side, we have the ability to solve the most insurmountable problems and to triumph over the greatest of adversities."
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan visits Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, London
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, attending a luncheon at Buckingham Palace, London on 22 July 1969. © Getty Images
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Rulers of the Emirates announce the formation of the United Arab Emirates
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II makes a state visit to the United Arab Emirates
Video of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's state visit to the United Arab Emirates in February 1979. Source: National Library and Archives
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II makes a brief stopover at Abu Dhabi International Airport to see Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan
A video of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II making a brief stopover at Abu Dhabi International Airport on 25 September 1981 to see Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Source: UAE National Library and Archives
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan makes a state visit to the United Kingdom
A video of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan's state visit to the United Kingdom in July 1989. Source: UAE National Library and Archives
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II makes a state visit to the United Arab Emirates
H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan makes a state visit to the United Kingdom
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, with H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his state visit to the United Kingdom on 30 April 2013. © WAM