Pope Francis has departed the country following a three-day visit to Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and a host of other UAE sheikhs, ministers and dignitaries saw off the Pope at the Presidential airport.
It is customary for the pontiff to send telegrams to heads of state of the countries over which the papal plane will be flying over.
In a message to President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, Pope Francis said: "As I depart from the United Arab Emirates, I renew my deep appreciation to your highness, the government and the people of the UAE for your warm welcome and generous hospitality. I assure you of my prayers and invoke upon all of you abundant divine blessings."
____________
Pope in the UAE
Pope Francis speaks out against materialism and an ego-driven world
Thousands gather for Pope Francis's Mass in Abu Dhabi - as it happened
