UAE air force ‘one of world’s most capable’, says senior US security official

Jared Kushner among American delegation who visited Al Dhafra base on Tuesday

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner, centre right, and the US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, centre left, pose for a photo with UAE Air Force's Maj Gen Falah Al Qahtani,, and other officials at Al Dhafra airbase in Abu Dhabi. Reuters

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Twitter/ @USAinUAE

Senior adviser to the US president Jared Kushner being shown a replica of the Abrahamic Family House at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Twitter/ @USAinUAE

Senior advisor to the US president Jared Kushner at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Twitter/ @USAinUAE

Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat greets an Emirati official as he makes his way to board the plane to leave Abu Dhabi. EPA

White House senior adviser Jared Kushner and US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien during a visit to Al Dhafra airbase in Abu Dhabi. Reuters

Senior advisor to the US president Jared Kushner at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Twitter/ @USAinUAE

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash and head of Israel's National Security Council Meir Ben-Shabbat. Twitter/ @USAinUAE

Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat, Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash hold a meeting in Abu Dhabi. Reuters

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner, right, with Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat, left, arrive in the UAE on the first commercial flight between Israel and the UAE. Victor Besa / The National

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner speaks as US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien looks on. Victor Besa / The National

Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat, centre, and US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, on the tarmac after disembarking from the El Al flight. Victor Besa / The National

Head of Israel's National Security Council Meir Ben-Shabbat delivers a speech upon his arrival. AFP

US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien delivers a speech upon arrival in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, right, delivers a speech as Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat and White House adviser Jared Kushner look on. Victor Besa / The National

US-Israeli delegation led by White House adviser Jared Kushner arrive in Abu Dhabi on the first commercial flight between Israel and the UAE. Victor Besa / The National

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner, US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien and Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat disembark a plane after landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Reuters

US and Israeli flags at Abu Dhabi airport. Victor Besa / The National

A UAE official waits for Israeli and US delegates to disembark the Israeli flag carrier El Al's airliner after landing at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Reuters

Senior White House adviserJared Kushner and US National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien speak to the media in an El Al airplane. AFP

Reporters, Israeli and US delegates travelling on an Israeli El Al airliner prepare to disembark on arrival in Abu Dhabi. AP

Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat, US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien and US President's senior adviser Jared Kushner are seated during Israeli flag carrier El Al's flight LY971, from Tel Aviv to Abu Dhabi. EPA

An official greeting message is seen on the Israeli carrier El Al airliner carrying Israeli and US delegates during their flight to Abu Dhabi. Reuters

The Israeli flag carrier El Al's airliner lands at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Victor Besa / The National

The Israeli flag carrier El Al's airliner lands at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Victor Besa / The National

The Israeli flag carrier El Al's airliner approaches to land in Abu Dhabi. Reuters

A view of the scenery through the window of Israeli flag carrier El Al's flight LY971, as it is approaching for landing at the airport of Abu Dhabi. EPA

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner, left, Israel's National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat, right, and US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien, board the El Al flight to Abu Dhabi. EPA

The US-Israel delegation board the plane. EPA

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner and US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien pose with members of the US-Israel delegation before boarding the El Al's flight. AP

Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner, right, looks on as US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien speaks before boarding the El Al's flight. AP

The Arabic, English and Hebrew word for 'Peace' is seen on the Israeli flag carrier El Al's airliner which carried Israel-US delegations to meet Emirati leadership in Abu Dhabi. AP

A seat covering says 'Making History' in Arabic, English and Hebrew. Reuters

A flight crew member stands in front of the El Al jet. AP

Flight crew hold a meeting before the historic flight. Reuters

A pilot goes through pre-flight checks. Reuters

Screens displaying flight number LY971 to Abu Dhabi at Tel Aviv airport. Reuters

Screens displaying flight number LY971 to Abu Dhabi at Tel Aviv airport. Reuters

The Emirati air force is one of the world’s most capable, a senior US security official said on Tuesday at the conclusion of a joint American-Israeli visit to the UAE.

Speaking at Al Dhafra airbase on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien said the “reputation of the Emirati armed forces has gone worldwide".

“It is one of the most capable forces in the world and we are proud to partner with you and serve side by side with you," Mr O’Brien told UAE officials as he toured the base with senior White House adviser Jared Kushner.

The two men were among American and Israeli officials on board the historic first El Al flight that arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday from Tel Aviv.

It was the first such trip since the UAE and Israel agreed in August to work towards normalising relations in a deal brokered by the US.

As part of the accord, Israel will halt all annexation of Palestinian territories in exchange for establishing diplomatic ties with the Emirates.

A statement on Monday by the three countries said that the accord is "a courageous step towards a more stable, integrated and prosperous the Middle East".

Falah Al Qahtani, a senior Emirati military official, received the visiting delegation at Al Dhafra base. The site is also used by the American military to operate advanced F-35 fighter jets and other assets in the region.

Mr O'Brien said that the US expected a "significant security aspect" in the Israel-UAE normalisation process although details have remained vague.

Mr Kusher shook hands with the US and Emirati pilots gathered for the event. He also left a written message at the base.

"May the relationship with America continues to grow and together, through strength, will benefit as we bring more peace and prosperity to the Middle East and beyond!" he wrote.

The El Al flight was set to depart shortly after the airbase visit, concluding the first direct round trip by a commercial passenger aircraft between the UAE and Israel.