Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Boris Johnson to discuss stronger relations between UK and UAE

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised the UAE's response to the Covid-19 pandemic on Thursday as he hosted Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, in London.

Sheikh Mohamed tweeted that he had been warmly welcomed to Number 10 Downing Street by the British leader.

“It was a pleasure meeting British Prime Minister Boris Johnson today,” he said.

“We discussed the importance of peace and stability in the Middle East and also strengthening and developing the relationship between our two nations.”

At Downing Street, Mr Johnson expressed his respect for the UAE’s swift and comprehensive response to the coronavirus crisis.

The UAE has had a rigorous testing campaign, with many residents tested several times over.

“Congratulations on the way the UAE has been able to handle Covid," he said.

"It’s been extremely effective. Really remarkable. You tested 17 million people, even though you have a population of 10 million, something like that.”

Sheikh Mohamed was also received by Prince Charles, the heir to the UK throne, at his residence in central London, where they reflected on the long and deep ties between the nations.

Mr Johnson said his country was eager to bolster ties with the UAE.

Officials have discussed upgrading investment accords and reaching a free-trade agreement.

“A deal with the UAE?” he told reporters at the famous black door. “You bet. Come in.”

Mr Johnson said he looked forward to enhancing the shared prosperity of both states.
"The leaders expressed their continued commitment to the relationship between the UK and the UAE and to strengthening our countries' shared prosperity," Downing Street said.

"The prime minister welcomed the significant investments made by the UAE across the UK.
"They agreed to step up ties in a range of areas including green technology, infrastructure and defence.

"Ahead of the UK hosting Cop26 next year, the PM and Crown Prince agreed on the importance of tackling climate change and discussed how to work more closely to boost renewable energy production.
"The leaders also spoke about regional security and foreign policy issues, and the prime minister reiterated his support for the UAE's recent agreement with Israel to normalise relations.

“The Prime Minister invited the Crown Prince to visit the UK again next year to build on our partnership further.”

The two countries released a joint statement following the meeting to emphasise their commitment to working together across trade and investment, research and development, climate change and the fight against Covid-19 and noted the importance of the Abraham Accord, signifying the foundation of diplomatic relations between the Emirates and Israel.

"The meeting also agreed upon the importance of shared values, including tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for all cultures and religions," the statement said.

"The two leaders looked forward to the UAE’s 50th National Day celebrations, Expo 2020 Dubai, and meeting again next year to continue to develop the UK-UAE partnership for the future."

Key findings of Jenkins report

Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem

Rating: 4/5

Dubai Bling season three

Cast: Loujain Adada, Zeina Khoury, Farhana Bodi, Ebraheem Al Samadi, Mona Kattan, and couples Safa & Fahad Siddiqui and DJ Bliss & Danya Mohammed

Rating: 1/5

Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5