UK diplomat thanks UAE for support in Afghanistan withdrawal as last plane reaches Dubai


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Britain's ambassador to the UAE has thanked the Emirates for supporting international withdrawal efforts in Afghanistan.

Ambassador Patrick Moody was at Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport as the UK's last flight from Kabul touched down on Sunday.

He said more than 15,000 people flown by Britain from Afghanistan had landed at the UAE airport in the past few weeks.

The people have travelled safely to the UK.

"I’m down at the Al Maktoum International Airport and behind me, you can see the processing of the passengers from the last flight that landed from Kabul as part of the humanitarian evacuation mission," Mr Moody said on Twitter.

"The team we have here is a mix of a military team of the UK's 104 Brigade, the regional deployment team from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, with the help from the mission here in the UAE and a whole variety of government departments."

Everyone had worked to make the operation possible, the ambassador said.

"It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of our host, the Emiratis," Mr Moody said.

"They were truly fantastic. We asked everything of them and they gave us that and more and they gave with their hearts and generosity.

"Just like us, they realise the importance of this humanitarian mission so we give them our huge gratitude."

The UAE has assisted in the relocation of about 39,827 Afghans and foreign citizens from Afghanistan using its national aircraft and airports.

The country is also hosting Afghan families, especially women and children, and is committed to taking all necessary measures to provide them with care and social support while on UAE soil.

Afghan refugees in Abu Dhabi - in pictures

  • Many young Afghan evacuees have been brought to the UAE with their families for safety, after the Taliban seized control of their country.
    Many young Afghan evacuees have been brought to the UAE with their families for safety, after the Taliban seized control of their country.
  • Afghan evacuees have been brought to Emirates Humanitarian City after fleeing their home nation.
    Afghan evacuees have been brought to Emirates Humanitarian City after fleeing their home nation.
  • An Afghan boy with a soft toy waits at the humanitarian compound just outside the UAE capital.
    An Afghan boy with a soft toy waits at the humanitarian compound just outside the UAE capital.
  • A young Afghan girl waits near her family, alongside the other evacuees.
    A young Afghan girl waits near her family, alongside the other evacuees.
  • Some evacuees arrived without some family members, as Afghan nationals were extracted from their home country.
    Some evacuees arrived without some family members, as Afghan nationals were extracted from their home country.
  • Massoud and his children wait at the Afghan evacuee centre, as thousands of people are processed.
    Massoud and his children wait at the Afghan evacuee centre, as thousands of people are processed.
  • Afghan women and children were prioritised in the evacuation.
    Afghan women and children were prioritised in the evacuation.
  • The reception hall at Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi, where evacuees from Afghanistan are being brought. All photos Victor Besa / The National
    The reception hall at Emirates Humanitarian City in Abu Dhabi, where evacuees from Afghanistan are being brought. All photos Victor Besa / The National
  • An Afghan evacuee waits at the Emirates Humanitarian City, Abu Dhabi.
    An Afghan evacuee waits at the Emirates Humanitarian City, Abu Dhabi.
  • UAE medical workers work hard to make sure everyone arriving at the Afghan evacuee centre is healthy.
    UAE medical workers work hard to make sure everyone arriving at the Afghan evacuee centre is healthy.
  • UAE health workers are attending to any evacuees needing medical assistance.
    UAE health workers are attending to any evacuees needing medical assistance.
  • Evacuees wait to be processed at the humanitarian camp just outside Abu Dhabi.
    Evacuees wait to be processed at the humanitarian camp just outside Abu Dhabi.
  • Emirates Humanitarian City, Abu Dhabi.
    Emirates Humanitarian City, Abu Dhabi.
Updated: August 29, 2021, 5:39 PM