Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is visiting the UAE as Britain looks to strengthen its ties with the Gulf. The first move came just three weeks after Britain’s new coalition government took office in May, with a visit by the British defence minister, Liam Fox. He was followed just a week later by Mr Cameron.
And last month, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, visited Downing Street.
The schedule:
Wednesday 24 November
Afternoon – The Duke of York flies in to Abu Dhabi airport.
Evening – His Royal Highness attends a dinner with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh fly in to Abu Dhabi Airport. The Royal party will then visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Thursday 25 November
Morning – The Queen will meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Visit to see the unveiling design for Sheikh Zayed National Museum. Meet Crown Prince and the Prime Minister. Attend a partnership event hosted by the British Community.
Afternoon – The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and The Duke of York will be officially welcomed at the Al Mushrif Palace. Presentation of delegations and Emirati Royals. Lunch with the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, the President of the UAE, and members of the ruling family.
The Queen will pay a private visit to Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Sheikh Zayed's widow, at the Sea Palace. The Duke of Edinburgh will see a UAE military event.
Evening – The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh depart Abu Dhabi for Muscat, Oman.
