Muscat: Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), arrived in Muscat on Tuesday on a two-day state visit to the Sultanate of Oman.
His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik led the welcoming party for the UAE President.
When the jet touched ground at the Royal Airport, His Majesty the Sultan met the guest at the foot of the ramp, welcoming him and wishing him and his official delegation a pleasant stay in Oman.
When the guest’s jet entered the Omani airspace, it was escorted by a squadron of military aircrafts till its arrival at the Royal Airport.
Along with His Majesty the Sultan, Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed was received by HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs; Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al Busaidy, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court (Head of the Mission of Honour); Gen Sultan bin Mohammed al Numani, Minister of the Royal Office; Sayyid Hamoud bin Faisal al Busaidy, Minister of Interior; Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister; Sayyid Dr Ahmed bin Hilal al Busaidy, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the UAE; Mohammed bin Sultan al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman; and members of the mission of honour.
Then, His Majesty the Sultan and Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed headed to the hall, flanked by two rows of the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO).
After a short break, the motorcade of the two leaders left the Royal Airport, heading to Al Alam Palace for the official and popular reception.
As the motorcade passed Muscat Gate, a group of Royal Camel Corps lined both sides of the road, welcoming the guest. Then, a cavalcade from the Royal Cavalry and the RGO Cavalry escorted the motorcade till the National Museum’s building. Upon the arrival of the official motorcade at the yard leading to Al Alam Palace, a popular reception was held, with the participation of more than 600 male and female citizens. A cluster of folklore bands lined the passage, chanting lyrics in a manifestation of warm welcome to the guest.
When the official motorcade arrived at the internal courtyard of Al Alam Palace, a welcoming tune was played by the RGO band, in an atmosphere of fanfare and ambiance.
After that, His Majesty the Sultan accompanied Shaikh Mohammed to the Dais of Honour where the National Anthem of the United Arab Emirates was played while the artillery fired a twenty-one gun salute for the guest.
Then, His Majesty the Sultan shook hands with members of the official delegation accompanying the UAE President, wishing them a pleasant stay. On his turn, the UAE President shook hands with some members of the Royal Family, Chairmen of the State Council and Majlis Ash’shura, ministers, commanders of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the Royal Oman Police (ROP).
After that, His Majesty the Sultan and the guest proceeded to the hall where they took Arabian coffee.
The UAE President is accompanied during the visit by an official delegation comprising Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Court; Shaikh Hamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan; Shaikh Mohammed bin Hamad al Nahyan, Adviser of Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Ali bin Mohammed al Shamsi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Supreme National Security Council; Suhail bin Mohammed al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; Khalifa bin Shaheen al Marar, Minister of State; Jabr bin Mohammed al Suwaidi, Minister of State; Mohammed bin Hassan al Suwaidi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ); Mohammed bin Sultan al Suwaidi, UAE Ambassador to the Sultanate of Oman; and several officials. — ONA
