President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal departed early on Sunday morning to the United Arab Emirates for a historic first visit by an Israeli president to the Gulf state. Herzog was personally invited to visit Abu Dhabi by its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
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Herzog's two-day visit is expected to include visits to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He is slated to meet with the crown prince, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and with Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as vice president, prime minister, and defense minister.
The president will also meet with UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, as well as with delegates of the business sector and Jewish community.
Ahead of departing to the Gulf, Herzog said, "This morning I am embarking on a historic trip to the United Arab Emirates together with my wife, Michal. We will be visiting the United Arab Emirates following the peace agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
"I am bringing with me a blessing of peace and a message of peace to the entire region, to the peoples of the region. Peace brings with it prosperity, progress, and growth for the benefit of the peoples of the region.
"I will be meeting the leadership of the United Arab Emirates, at the personal invitation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the crown prince, and I wish him well and I am grateful for his courage and bold leadership, carving out a peace agreement with Israel and sending a message to the entire region that peace is the only alternative for the peoples of the region."
The Office of the President said that upon his arrival, Herzog will be received with an official ceremony at the royal palace, where he will meet the crown prince. Later, the president and first lady will meet with Israeli Ambassador in the UAE Amir Hayek and will participate in an event with leaders of the Jewish communities of the UAE.
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