Dubai: British diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai celebrated the 92nd birthday of Queen Elizabeth this week in the company of hundreds of guests, including business leaders, representatives of the British community and government officials.
In addition to the queen’s birthday, the event was used to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Air Force and the Year of Zayed.
On Tuesday, the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi organised the Queen’s Birthday Party (QBP) in the presence of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance. Guests enjoyed a performance by the Royal Air force Salon Orchestra, who were accompanied by a Unified Choir comprising students from the Future Rehabilitation Centre and The British School Al Kubairat.
The event was also used as a platform to promote the Special Olympics World Games which will be held in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Special Olympics Ambassador and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Kyle Tomlinson performed for guests.
Philip Parham, UK’s Ambassador to the UAE, said it “is an honour and a joy to be joined by Emirati friends, members of the British community, and our partners from across the international spectrum to celebrate the 92nd birthday of Her Majesty The Queen. We applaud her life of duty and service to the United Kingdom and to the Commonwealth. Her Majesty is still hard at work _ this week hosting the Heads of Government of the 53 Commonwealth member states. We are very conscious that we are holding this celebration in the Year of Zayed, with whom we recall Her Majesty’s long friendship.”
On Wednesday evening, the British Embassy in Dubai celebrated along with Dr Thani Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The Dubai English Speaking College’s choir performed the British and Emirati National Anthems alongside the RAF’s Salon Orchestra.
Consul-General Paul Fox said the UK’s relationship with the UAE is strong and “this event offers an opportunity to celebrate the long relationship between the UK and the UAE, especially in the Year of Zayed. We will also look ahead to Expo 2020, where the UK will help Dubai and the UAE realise its ambitions for this landmark event.”
The Queen’s birthday celebrations are held each year to celebrate United Kingdom National Day celebrations at home and abroad.
