UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred the First Class Order of Independence on Edward Andrew Beauchamp Hobart, the outgoing Ambassador of the United Kingdom to the UAE, in recognition of his work to strengthen ties between the two countries during his tenure in Abu Dhabi.
The honour was presented in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, May 27, by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who conveyed the President's appreciation for the ambassador's diplomatic contributions,according to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Recognition for strengthening UAE-UK strategic ties
The First Class Order of Independence is one of the highest civilian honours conferred by the UAE on foreign diplomats. Sheikh Mohamed awarded the medal in recognition of Ambassador Hobart's dedicated efforts to strengthen and advance strategic relations between the two friendly countries across various fields during his tenure, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The National reported that Sheikh Abdullah commended Mr Hobart's role in deepening political, economic and diplomatic cooperation between the United Kingdom and the UAE during his posting. The meeting in the capital also reviewed the long-standing partnership between the two governments.
Ambassador thanks UAE leadership
Ambassador Hobart expressed gratitude to the President for the honour and praised the leadership of the UAE, highlighting what he described as the deep-rooted ties of friendship between the two nations. He also thanked UAE government entities for their cooperation throughout his time as ambassador, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Mr Hobart, who took up his post in Abu Dhabi in 2022, has overseen a period of expanding UK-UAE engagement spanning trade, defence, climate cooperation and cultural exchange.ARN News Centre noted that the recognition came as he prepares to conclude his ambassadorial assignment in the country.
Bilateral relations
The UAE and the United Kingdom maintain one of the most active bilateral relationships in the Gulf, anchored by trade ties worth billions of pounds annually and close coordination on regional security. The conferment of the First Class Order of Independence on a departing envoy is a customary gesture used by the UAE leadership to acknowledge diplomats who have played a notable role in advancing the country's external partnerships.
Sheikh Mohamed wished Ambassador Hobart success in his future assignments at the close of the meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added.
