Photos: Queen Elizabeth’s UAE visits

1979: During her first visit to the UAE in February 1979, Queen Elizabeth II was received with official and popular celebrations, headed by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Members of the Supreme Council.

Queen Elizabeth II with Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayan during her visit to Abu Dhabi in February, 1979. The late queen played a key role in strengthening the deep-rooted friendship relations between the UAE and the United Kingdom (UK) since the era of the Founding Leader, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, underscored by the letters of condolences sent by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The official visits and direct meetings between the leaders of the UAE and the late queen were key milestones that helped advance the cooperation between the two countries.

Queen Elizabeth II with Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum at the inauguration of Dubai World Trade Centre during her visit to Dubai in February, 1979.

Queen Elizabeth II at the inauguration of the Dubai World Trade centre tower, heralding the start of Dubai’s global rise.

Queen Elizabeth II with Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum at the inauguration of Dubai World Trade Centre during her visit to Dubai in February, 1979.

Late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the Order of Zayed on Queen Elizabeth II in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Prince Philip in Abu Dhabi during her vist in 2010. Sheikh Khalifa also bestowed the Order of the Federation on Prince Philip and Prince Andrew. The Queen presented Sheikh Khalifa with the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, GCB. The Queen also honoured Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed with the Knight Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George, GCMG.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Queen Elizabeth II and others look at a model of the Zayed National Museum on November 25, 2010

Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom receives a gift from school children and was accompanied by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, after unveiling the design of the Zayed National Museum at the Emirates Palace.

Shaikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan accompanies Queen Elizabeth II, to Sheikh Zayed Mosque in 2010. Queen Elizabeth II arrived with her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in Abu Dhabi in November 2010 on her second official visit to the UAE, which helped strengthen their bilateral relations.

Queen Elizabeth II after the unveiling of the design of the Zayed National Museum at the Emirates Palace in 2010.