UAE’s President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded U.S. President Donald Trump the Order of Zayed, the nation’s highest civilian decoration, during the latter’s official visit in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, May 15.
The prestigious medal, crafted from pure gold and named in honor of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has only been conferred upon a select group of world leaders over the years. Trump becomes the first American president to receive the award since George W. Bush in 2008.
The ceremony took place at Qasr Al Watan, the UAE’s presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, during Trump’s official visit to the country, his final stop on a Gulf tour that has included Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
In remarks during their meeting, President Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the strength and trajectory of the U.S.-UAE partnership.
“It’s taken a significant leap forward since you assumed office, particularly in areas of industry, energy and artificial intelligence and new economies,” His Highness said, reports The National.
He noted that the UAE plans to invest $1.4 trillion in the United States over the next decade, and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaborations between private sectors in both countries. “The U.S. has been a trusted partner both in bilateral relations and matters of shared concerns,” Sheikh Mohamed added.
President Trump reportedly spoke warmly of his personal relationship with Sheikh Mohamed, calling him a “brilliant man” and “a truly great warrior.” Donald Trump will also be attending a state dinner at the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, reports The Washington Post.
