UAE and Saudi Arabia announce strategic initiatives

@MohamedBinZayed/ Twitter

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are taking their bilateral relations to the next level.

Several MoUs and strategic initiatives have been signed on the sidelines of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz’s official visit to the Emirates.

The partnerships include an agreement to develop a new mega crude refinery with a capacity of 1.2 million barrels per day, as well as the introduction of a joint tourist visa system for the residents of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

A cross-border digital currency for banks is on the agenda, while the two sides have also agreed to enhance cyber-security and speed up the flow of traffic at their customs ports.

The MoUs signed between the countries cover vital sectors like health, culture, space and food security.

The details were revealed during a meeting of the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council in Abu Dhabi, which was jointly chaired by Prince Mohammed bin Salman and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived at the Presidential Terminal of Abu Dhabi International Airport on Wednesday evening, where he was received by Sheikh Mohamed.

He was later accorded an official reception at Al Watan Palace.

Just before the arrival of Prince Mohammed's delegation, the UAE Air Force aerobatic display team, Al Fursan, (The Knights), flew over the palace, forming the flag of Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai lit up in the colours of the Saudi flag to mark the visit.

More from Local News

  • H.H. Sheikh Mohammed honours Shabab Al Ahli team

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured members of the Shabab Al Ahli football team for clinching four titles this season at a special ceremony in Zabeel Palace.

  • Khalifa Award for Education honours 18th cycle winners

    His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, was named Distinguished Educational Personality in recognition of his extensive contributions to developing the education system locally, regionally and internationally, at an award ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.

  • UAE ship carrying desalination plants arrives in Cyprus

    A UAE ship carrying water desalination plants arrived at Limassol Port in Cyprus on Thursday, to provide clean drinking water and support sustainable global water security.

  • H.H. Sheikh Hamdan attends 34th Joint Command and Staff Course graduation ceremony

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Thursday attended the graduation ceremony of the 34th Joint Command and Staff Course at the Joint Command and Staff College in Abu Dhabi.

News

  • H.H. Sheikh Mohammed honours Shabab Al Ahli team

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has honoured members of the Shabab Al Ahli football team for clinching four titles this season at a special ceremony in Zabeel Palace.

  • Khalifa Award for Education honours 18th cycle winners

    His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, was named Distinguished Educational Personality in recognition of his extensive contributions to developing the education system locally, regionally and internationally, at an award ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.

  • UAE ship carrying desalination plants arrives in Cyprus

    A UAE ship carrying water desalination plants arrived at Limassol Port in Cyprus on Thursday, to provide clean drinking water and support sustainable global water security.