Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid receives Queen Elizabeth

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, this morning met Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

At the beginning of the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed asserted that UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan lends great attention to the historical relations between UAE and the United Kingdom. He added that the UAE leadership, government and people welcome this historical visit, which is a milestone in the course of cooperation relations between the two countries.

He also hailed the close relations between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

He added "We have a firm desire to build better relations and expand cooperation at all levels based on the common future vision which is full of optimism and confidence." For her part, Queen Elizabeth expressed her delight at visiting the UAE for the second time, commending UAE's leadership keenness to develop and boost ties of friendship and cooperation between the two sides.

Sheikh Mohamed also discussed with Her Majesty the close bilateral relations between the two countries in economic, military, educational, cultural, tourism and sports fields. They also discussed in particular the excellent relations in the areas of trade and investment between the UAE and Britain.

The UAE remains Britain's largest export market in the Middle East and the UK's 13th largest in the world. The UAE is also a key source of foreign direct investment into Britain. The UAE invests in iconic projects and businesses such as the London Gateway that will be one of Europe's largest port and logistics complexes; and the London Array, the world's largest offshore wind farm.

Earlier in the day, the design and programme of the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi was officially unveiled by Sheikh Mohammed and Queen Elizabeth II.

As the UAE's first major national cultural institution, the museum serves as a memorial to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, celebrating the rich history of the UAE and the cultural roots of the country.

Set to complete in 2014, the building is designed by Prizker Prize winning architect, Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners.

Commenting on the launch, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said: “The Zayed National Museum is destined to become an inspiring permanent reminder of the vision handed down to us from the father of our nation, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to unite all Emiratis and build a strong and prosperous nation. As a fitting memorial and a national institution, the museum will serve as a symbol of our historic cultural roots and of the many achievements of our country, providing us with an incentive to continue building our country with the same will and determination.”

This is UAE’s first national museum that will feature the life and achievements of the founding President of the UAE.

The museum is set to stand alongside the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Louvre Abu Dhabi among the iconic Saadiyat Island Cultural District’s institutions.

The design features five soaring pavilions, representing the feathers of a falcon’s wing, reaching a height of 124 metres, towering over the glittering waters of the Arabian Gulf.

The Zayed National Museum also stands as a symbol of modernity of the UAE and its rapid progression over the last 40 years.

At the unveiling on Thursday, Sheikh Mohammed said: "The Zayed National Museum, named after our beloved leader, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will be a template of the UAE’s cultural traditions, set in the midst of our nation’s glorious heritage. It is with great pride that we keep his memory alive and close to our hearts."

The museum will showcase Sheikh Zayed’s story and the lasting influence of his reforms. Sheikh Zayed’s concept of a modernised nation determined by strong guiding principles of education, culture, faith and the protection of the environment made him one of the world’s most respected leaders.

General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said: “The Zayed National Museum will serve as an educational testimonial for generations to come, enlightening many of our rich and varied past, and providing a glimpse to our future prospects, to be achieved through wise leadership that will hold a strong will and vision.  Sheikh Zayed was a father, a leader and an inspiration to the people of the UAE and the world, and here lies the importance of the Zayed National Museum, which will not only represent a reference and testament to these achievements but also an incentive towards further prosperity and progress to the people of the UAE and the world.”

The museum, designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect, Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, following an international competition, is being developed by Tourism Development and Investment Company (Tdic), the master developer of Saadiyat Island. It comprises sophisticated architectural techniques with a special focus on environmental sustainability, which was an essential element of Sheikh Zayed’s worldview.

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