Indonesia renames important motorway to honour Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed

A street in Abu Dhabi is also named after President Joko Widodo

A street in Indonesia is renamed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Elevated Toll Road. Courtesy: Wam

Indonesia has renamed an important toll road in honour of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

President of Indonesia Joko Widodo said the move was in recognition of Sheikh Mohamed’s role in strengthening ties between the countries.

Senior Indonesian officials and Abdullah Salem Al Dhaheri, UAE ambassador to Indonesia, attended the renaming ceremony.

“Relations between the UAE and Indonesia have witnessed significant political, economic, cultural and social development since their establishment in 1976,” Dr Pratinko, minister for state secretariat of Indonesia, said on Monday.

The UAE has become a leading investor in Indonesia after its recent announcement that it would invest $10 billion in the Indonesian Sovereign Fund, he said.

The 37-kilometre road is one of Indonesia’s key routes. Inaugurated by President Widodo on December 12, 2019, it is the longest elevated road in the country and the fastest double motorway in South-East Asia.

Last year, the UAE announced plans to build a mosque in the capital in honour of the Indonesian president.

On October 20, Al Ma'arid Street, behind Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, was renamed President Joko Widodo Street.