Ras Al Khaimah: HMS Cumberland docked in Ras Al Khaimah's Saqr Port this week to enhance brotherly ties and the important defence cooperation between the UK and UAE.
The type 22 British Royal Navy Frigate formally welcomed onboard Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ras Al Khaimah Department of Customs and Seaports, after both the British and UAE national anthems were played by the RAK police band on the port side.
Shaikh Ahmad formally inspected the ship's guard and was shown the bridge.
His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras Al Khaimah, were received onboard the ship for lunch by the commanding officer, Captain Steve Dainton.
Honour
"The Royal Navy has a long history with Ras Al Khaimah. We're very privileged to have this opportunity to visit and particularly privileged that Shaikh Ahmad came onboard to inspect the guard of honour. We conducted a 21-gun salute as we came into the harbour, which is a royal salute, and is an indication of the high esteem the Royal Navy and the UK has for RAK, and is also as a mark of respect to Shaikh Saud and Shaikh Mohammad Bin Saud," Commander Robert Pedre, Executive Officer and Second-in-Command, told Gulf News onboard the HMS Cumberland.
The ship carries almost 300 crew, working in warfare, logistics, weapons engineering and marine engineering.
PWOT (Principle Warfare Officer — training) Lieutenant Greig Murray said that the Royal Navy has just completed a training exercise over the Gulf with the UAE airforce.
During the weekend, crew members will be playing a football match against a local team, going on a desert safari, taking part in a rowing regatta, and the ship will be visited by 50 children from RAK English Speaking School.
