King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium's visit to the UAE has wrapped. After a three-day trip to Oman, the European royals made their way to Abu Dhabi on Friday.
As part of their visit to the UAE capital, King Philippe signed an agreement of co-operation between VIB Life Sciences and Khalifa University, which the Belgian Royal Palace Instagram account described as an opportunity to "join forces to develop AI and biotech-based treatments for diabetes".
On her first day in the UAE, Queen Mathilde met Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
Queen Mathilde travelled in the same co-ordinated outfit by Belgian designer Maison Natan that she wore to attend the official opening of the Port of Duqm in Oman in the morning. She accessorised with the same burgundy mask and clutch, also by Maison Natan, and Longchamp sunglasses.
For their final day in the GCC, the royal couple visited Expo 2020 Dubai for Belgium's country day on February 5.
The couple met Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the Expo 2020 site, and the king gave a speech during their visit to the Belgium pavilion. They also visited the UAE and Japan pavilions.
For the visit, Queen Mathilde wore a white embroidered Maison Natan dress with a matching clutch and pumps by the brand, accessorised with an olive green hat by Belgian designer Maison Fabienne Delvigne.
"The Belgian pavilion is one of the main attractions of the Expo," the Belgian royal office said of their trip. "It is an example of inclusive, sustainable and circular architecture, including 2,500 local plants that store carbon dioxide and lower indoor temperature."
Next week, the UK's Prince William will be in the UAE to visit Expo 2020 Dubai. The Duke of Cambridge will visit the site for the UK's country day celebrations on Thursday, February 10. He is expected to meet young Emiratis, government leaders and staff from the UK Pavilion on the day.
The prince's visit aims to build on the strong bond between the UK and UAE.
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See highlights from King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium's visit to Oman:
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King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium arrive in Muscat for a three-day visit to Oman. Queen Mathilde wears a Johanna Ortiz burnt orange and mint green palm-print dress with a matching mask. Photo: Oman News Agency -
The Belgian royals are greeted by Dhi Yazan bin Haitham, Crown Prince of Oman, on arrival in the capital. Photo: Oman News Agency -
Sultan Haitham of Oman welcomes King Philippe and Queen Mathilde. They attended the official opening of the Port of Duqm and visited a hydrogen production plant in the town. Photo: Oman News Agency -
Queen Mathilde wears a Maison Natan taffeta dress to meet Sultan Haitham. Photo: Oman News Agency -
King Philippe of Belgium and Queen Mathilde of Belgium visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. Getty Images -
For the visit, Queen Mathilde wore a red headscarf and a red-and-purple print dress by Indian designer Anita Dongre, with an Armani clutch bag and Percossi Papi earrings. Twitter -
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. Twitter -
Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Oman's Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Co-operation Affairs, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium unveil the commemorative plaque announcing the opening of the Port of Duqm. Twitter -
For the official opening of the Port of Duqm, Queen Mathilde wore a co-ordinated burgundy and white set by Maison Natan. Twitter
