His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday ended his State Visit to the United Arab Emirates after holding a bilateral meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Za'abeel Palace Tuesday.
The State Visit by His Majesty has demonstrated the strong bonds of brotherly and cordial relations that exist between the two countries.
The highlight of the State Visit was the private meeting between the leaders in the search for closer political, economic and social cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting between His Majesty and the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, both leaders discussed efforts to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
Before leaving the Dubai International Airport, a doa selamat was read by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.
Present at the Dubai International Airport to bid farewell to His Majesty was Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Governmental Sector Development of the United Arab Emirates, and other senior officials.
Also present at the airport was Dato Paduka Haji Adnan bin Haji Zainal, Ambassador of Brunei Darussalam to the United Arab Emirates.
Earlier, His Majesty began the third day of his State Visit Tuesday with a visit to the Dubai Police Academy.
The Dubai Police Academy, located in the Al Towar area, was established on June 1, 1956. Unlike other police departments in the Emirates, the Dubai Police Academy is under the control and management of the Dubai Government. It trains local and foreign students especially from the Gulf Cooperation Council and other Muslim countries.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by the General Commander of the Dubai Police, Lt General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim.
At the Dubai Police Academy, His Majesty was led to a special dais to receive a guard-of-honour mounted by the students of the academy. Both countries national anthems were played, after which His Majesty consented to inspect the guard-of-honour. This was followed by various demonstrations performed by the students including a Parade Drill, Horsemen Drill, Self Protection show and Anti Riot Police show.
His Majesty then visited the indoor firing range where he was given an opportunity to test fire at a shooting target.
His Majesty then proceeded to the Mohammad bin Rashid Hall to hear a briefing and see a video presentation on the functions and activities of the academy. His Majesty then consented to tour the Institute of Security and Administrative Sciences. Before leaving the hall, His Majesty signed the guest book and exchanged souvenirs with the Lt General Commander.
His Majesty later visited the Emirates Office towers.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Executive Chairman of the Dubai Holding. His Majesty consented to hear a number of briefings on the ongoing mega projects in information technology, media, entertainment, healthcare, real estate and construction undertaken by the Dubai government. The briefings were given by Mr Ahmad bin Byat, Director General of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone Authority; Mr Saeed Al Muntafiq, Chief Executive Officer of Tatweer; Mr Hashim Al Dabal, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Properties; Mr Farhan Faraidooni, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai International Properties; Mr Sultan bin Sulayem, Chief Executive Officer of Nakheel; and Mr Ahmad Almatroushi, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar.
Later in the afternoon, His Majesty held a bilateral meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Za'abeel Palace.
At the palace, His Majesty was welcomed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His Majesty was introduced to the delegation of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum was introduced to the delegation of Brunei Darussalam.
During the meeting, both leaders discussed efforts to enhance cooperation between the two countries. His Majesty also expressed his appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum for the kind reception and warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.
His Majesty's visit to UAE marked another milestone in the history of bilateral relations between Brunei Darussalam and the United Arab Emirates as this was the first State Visit of His Majesty to the United Arab Emirates since the establishment of diplomatic relations on May 28, 1992.
- Borneo Bulletin
(20th Apr 2006)