DUBAI: Duke of Cambridge Prince William, second in line to the British throne, visited Dubai´s world Expo where the UK pavilion marked a ‘national day’.
Prince William tweeted, “Reunited with some of the 2021 @Earthshotprize Winners and Finalists @expo2020dubai. It’s so great to see them here, showcasing their initiatives on a global scale again.”
He was also greeted by the royal fans outside the UK pavilion. “So great to see everyone outside the UK Pavilion @expo2020dubai,” Prince William said while sharing the video. He discussed his Earthshot Prize, which rewards innovative solutions to environmental problems, and his United for Wildlife scheme with UAE officials.
Kensington Palace said it is the Duke of Cambridge’s first official visit to the UAE. The visit, at the request of Britain’s foreign office, comes as it seeks to deepen trade relations with wealthy Gulf Arab states as part of its post-Brexit strategy.
So great to see everyone outside the UK Pavilion @expo2020dubai pic.twitter.com/Ri6ftwTKkC
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) February 10, 2022
Prince William said on Twitter he was looking forward to using the trip to discuss achieving a more sustainable world. The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative was launched as William visited a mangrove reserve in the capital Abu Dhabi, aiming to make the emirate a research centre for the coastal plant.
William also visited ports giant DP World’s Jebel Ali Port in Dubai to highlight his United for Wildlife campaign against the illegal wildlife trade.
The Duke of Cambridge then headed to the Expo 2020 world fair where he promoted his Earthshot environmental award and visited the UK’s pavilion on a day dedicated to Britain.
Britain has condemned a January 17 drone and missile strike that killed three civilians in Abu Dhabi and was claimed by Yemen’s Houthis, who are battling a Saudi Arabian-led coalition that includes the UAE.
The UAE has said two other air attacks by the Houthis and a fourth claimed by another, shadowy group were intercepted. Oil-rich UAE last year pledged to invest 10 billion pounds ($13.6 billion) in Britain and has said it wants a free trade pact with it. Prince Charles, William’s father and first in line to the throne, has visited the Gulf many times and developed strong links with the region.
With Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge at Expo, where the world meets. The UAE and the United Kingdom have strong historical ties, today we discuss the future and the great promise it holds. @KensingtonRoyal pic.twitter.com/njcQfZWu36
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) February 10, 2022
