A Proud Shared History

The UK and UAE are not just friends but trusted partners. Since the UAE’s founding in 1971, ties built on shared history and interests have flourished, from energy to education and security.

1971

The Year the UAE was formed

1979

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to the UAE

1820

First treaty between the Trucial States and Britain, the foundation of UAE–UK relations.

History

through the years

Over many decades, the UAE and UK have built a partnership rooted in trust, history and shared ambition. From royal visits that underscored enduring friendship, to high-level meetings that shaped co-operation across generations, these moments reflect a relationship that continues to grow stronger, advancing mutual prosperity and global leadership.

The most prominent examples of this partnership:

June 11, 1969 – Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan arrives at the British Foreign Office after visiting Prime Minister Harold Wilson
February 24, 1979 – Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan receives Queen Elizabeth II upon her arrival at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia
February 24, 1979 – Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan receives Queen Elizabeth II in Abu Dhabi
February 25, 1979 – Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan bids farewell to Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in Al Ain
March 14, 1989 – Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomes Prince Charles at Abu Dhabi International Airport
February 27, 2007 – Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan meets Prince Charles at Al Mushrif Palace in Abu Dhabi
November 26, 2010 – Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives Queen Elizabeth II in Abu Dhabi
February 12, 2015 – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan receives Prince Charles at Abu Dhabi International Airport
2024 – Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meets His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE
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