The President, Sheikh Mohamed, leaves France after his official state visit. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed stands for the national anthem. Catherine Colonna, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, is also pictured. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed stands for the national anthems. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed bids farewell to Ms Colonna. Photo: Presidential Court
Members of the French honour guard play the national anthem before Sheikh Mohamed's departure. Photo: Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed speaks to Emirati students and doctors studying in France. Seen with Shamma bint Suhail Al Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Youth, second right, and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, vice chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, fourth right. Photo: Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed with Emirati students and doctors, along with Shamma bint Suhail Al Al Mazrouei, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, fourth from left. Photo: Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed meets students and doctors. Photo: Presidential Court
President Sheikh Mohamed greets Emirati students and doctors who are studying in France. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed, with Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed, speaks to Catherine Colonna. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed arrives at Matignon Hotel in Paris to meet Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Sheikh Mohamed arrives at the Matignon to meet Ms Borne. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed leaves Matignon hotel. Chris Whiteoak / The National
President Sheikh Mohamed signs a guest book during a military ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed stands at attention as the national anthems of the UAE and France are played at the Arc de Triomphe. Photo: Presidential Court
The UAE President greets a members of the Unknown Soldier’s Torch Committee. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Photo: Presidential Court
The UAE President meets Yael Braun-Pivet, sixth from right, President of the French National Assembly, in Paris. The senior UAE officials include Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation; Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, managing director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed with Ms Braun-Pivet at the National Assembly Presidency Palace. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed is received by Ms Braun-Pivet during his state visit to France. Photo: Presidential Court
The UAE President gives a speech during a dinner hosted in his honour by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Versailles Grand Trianon in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed is in France on his first overseas trip as UAE President. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed discussed the important role that France has undertaken in the Middle East and expressed his interest in continuing to work together to promote peace, stability and security across the region. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Macron and France's first lady Brigitte Macron at the Versailles Grand Trianon. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed with French Senate President Gerard Larcher in Paris. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The UAE President met Mr Larcher at Luxembourg Palace. Photo: Presidential Court
Members of the UAE delegation attend the meeting at Luxembourg Palace. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed, managing director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Abu Dhabi Executive Council Member; and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, vice chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, during the meeting at Luxembourg Palace. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed's decision to visit France on his first trip overseas as UAE head of state is considered highly significant and a recognition of the strength of ties between the two countries. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Sheikh Mohamed and a delegation of ministers and senior officials began the day with a visit to the historic Les Invalides complex, home to the military museum. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The UAE President then travelled a short distance to Luxembourg Palace. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Mr Larcher said he was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the Cop28 climate change conference, which will be hosted at Expo City Dubai in November 2023, and 'a lot about the energy issue, which is very important'. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Sheikh Mohamed arrives at Luxembourg Palace in Paris. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Macron watch as Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and managing director and group chief executive of Adnoc, and France's Energy Transition Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher sign a comprehensive strategic energy partnership between the two countries. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed, Mr Macron, Dr Al Jaber, Ms Pannier-Runacher and France's Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire after the signing ceremony in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed holds talks with Mr Macron at Elysee Palace in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed is welcomed to Elysee Palace by Mr Macron. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed with Mr Macron and France's first lady Brigitte Macron after the UAE President's arrival at Elysee Palace in the French capital. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The UAE leader warmly embraced Mr Macron on his arrival in Paris, describing him as a friend and his country as one of the Emirates' closest allies. Chris Whiteoak / The National
During a private lunch, the two leaders reviewed new agreements that expand decades of partnership and collaboration between the UAE and France. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Sheikh Mohamed spoke about the common interest that the UAE and France share in confronting climate change. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A French guard of honour awaits the arrival of Sheikh Mohamed to Elysee Palace. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The UAE President attends an official reception hosted by Sebastien Lecornu, France's Minister of Armed Forces, at the military museum in Paris. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed is accompanied by Mr Le Cornu as he inspects a guard of honour and meets officials at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court
The UAE President visited the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte within the Dome des Invalides at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed was set to meet top French officials during his two-day visit, including Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and President of the National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed with Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, vice chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Mr Le Cornu at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Le Cornu stand at attention as the two countries' anthems are played. Photo: Presidential Court
The UAE President's motorcade arrives at the military museum. Photo: Presidential Court
Emirati flags adorned the streets around Elysee and Luxembourg palaces. Photo: Presidential Court
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan is UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs
July 26, 2022
It was no coincidence that my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, chose France as the destination for his first state visit as the newly elected President of the UAE. Quite the contrary; it is a recognition of the deep and strategic ties that bind our two nations together: politically, economically and culturally.
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed was elected on May 14. His appointment followed the passing of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who realised how important international relationships were and made it his mission to cultivate warm and friendly relations with as many nations as possible. Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to France continues the legacy and vision of his predecessor; to build deep, productive and lasting relationships with those who share our values, so we can continue to flourish and advance together.
The UAE and France have been strategic partners for many years across a vast array of fields ranging from our common opposition against extremism and other global security threats all the way to our shared co-operation in promoting culture, inter-faith dialogue, tolerance and co-existence, as well as expanding health care and education.
As a nation we only celebrated our 50 years in December last year – but we have made rapid progress, alongside partners like France. Today, more than 25,000 talented French families and people call the UAE home; the largest French expatriate community in the Gulf. More than 600 French companies have settled in our country, employing more than 30,000 workers. French exports to the UAE are worth about $3.6 billion annually – the country’s second-largest in the Gulf.
Learning from each other by entering into dialogue with one another is part of the DNA of our nations
Our partnership goes way back and has been consistently reinforced throughout the years. Sorbonne University opened its doors in Abu Dhabi in 2006. In 2009, France inaugurated a naval base, Camp de la Paix, at Port Zayed in Abu Dhabi. French President Emmanuel Macron joined Sheikh Mohamed, then crown prince of Abu Dhabi, for the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in 2017, the first universal museum in the Arab world, which has become a symbol of openness and progress in the region. In 2018, we joined the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, which has resulted in more than 10,000 young pupils learning French in our schools.
These are some examples of what the UAE stands for in the Middle East; tolerance, inter-faith dialogue, and peaceful co-existence. We seek to build bridges and, where necessary, to mend fences. We believe a more prosperous region is better for not just ourselves and our neighbours but for the wider world. I know France shares this view, too.
As we look forward, it is our shared belief in the power of collaborative innovation to address the challenges we collectively face, that is the engine of our strategic partnership. The strong economic, cultural and social ties between our two countries guide us to further consolidate our relations and explore additional areas of co-operation. In practice, this will mean exploring more synergies in the field of sustainable economic development, green energy and scientific research.
During the state visit, President Sheikh Mohamed and President Macron witnessed the signing of two major energy agreements that focus on the security, affordability and decarbonisation of energy supplies. This landmark partnership, which demonstrates progressive climate action before the UAE hosts Cop28 next year, builds on the strong, close and long-standing relations between the two countries, and leverages the UAE’s position as a responsible and reliable supplier of energy.
The Sorbonne University campus in Abu Dhabi. Delores Johnson for The National
UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed's first presidential tour of France in 1975, with a young Sheikh Mohamed watching on. Zaki Nusseibeh
Previously released images show French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing speaking with Sheikh Zayed at a dinner in Elysee Palace during the UAE Founding Father's visit to Paris on July 4, 1975. On the left is French prime minister Jacques Chirac speaking with First Lady Anne-Aymone Giscard d'Estaing. Photo: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing meets Sheikh Zayed during a visit to Abu Dhabi in 1980. Photo: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing visits Abu Dhabi, where he is greeted by Sheikh Zayed, in 1980. Photo: Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Twitter
Our collaboration on the sustainability front comes in tandem with support for each other’s rapid technological development. Beyond financing, this entails a closer co-operation in research and development for cutting-edge technologies, and academic and cultural exchanges that will help drive innovation to new frontiers and synergies across the fields of science, medicine, defence and sustainable agriculture.
In Paris this week, 11 agreements were signed renewing our joint commitment to a range of activities including space exploration with France’s National Centre for Space Studies, health research with the Pasteur Institute and co-operation in the fields of higher education and standardisation.
Learning from each other by entering into dialogue with one another is part of the DNA of our nations, and is what has made our partnership so fruitful. As such, we look forward to exchanging best practices with France when it comes to technological, social and ecological innovations to expedite the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The UAE and its people have always believed that success lies in solidarity and in collaboration – nation to nation, community to community, person to person. Sheikh Mohamed’s first state visit to Paris was a testament to this: alongside France, the UAE is determined to push ahead.
This op-ed was originally published in Le Figaro
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
Finland 3-0 Armenia
Faroes Islands 1-0 Malta
Sweden 1-1 Spain
Gibraltar 2-3 Georgia
Romania 1-1 Norway
Greece 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Liechtenstein 0-5 Italy
Switzerland 2-0 Rep of Ireland
Israel 3-1 Latvia
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
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The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
