Israeli president visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during historic trip

Isaac Herzog and his wife were given a tour of the place of worship and presented with books of photography and history

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The president of Israel visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque during his historic first trip to the UAE on Monday.

Isaac Herzog was accompanied by his wife, first lady Michal Herzog, Mohammed Al Khaja, the UAE's ambassador to Israel, Amir Hayek, Israeli ambassador to the UAE, and senior Israeli officials.

Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, director general of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, welcomed the Israeli president and the rest of the delegation.

During the tour, the visitors were briefed by a specialist on the mosque's history and aesthetic features of Islamic art and architecture, reported state news agency Wam.

At the end of the visit, the president was presented with two publications. The first, Spaces of Light, showcases award-winning photography, and the other, Houses of God, is about places of worship throughout Islamic history.

Mr Herzog and his wife also visited Expo 2020 Dubai on the second day of their two-day visit to the Emirates — the first by an Israeli head of state. Mr Herzog was welcomed to Expo by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.

Updated: January 31, 2022, 5:51 PM