Philippe & Mathilde in United Arab Emirates

Belgian Crown Prince Philippe and Crown Princess Mathilde are currently in the United Arab Emirates. They arrived separately yesterday, with Philippe coming from Saudi Arabia and Mathilde arriving from Belgium. Both have different agendas in the UAE, but the main purpose of their trip is to strengthen ties between their country and this Gulf nation.

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First stop was Abu Dhabi, where Mathilde met with the Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak at her palace. The two discussed women’s issues and how women in the UAE are working on the development of their country. Mathilde praised the Sheikha for her works.

Afterward, the Crown Princess stopped by Abu Dhabi Women’s College, where she met with students and educators. Mathilde lauded the college for its high standards and the students’ love of learning.

While that was happening, Crown Prince Philippe was meeting with Health Minister Dr. Hanif Hassan. With him was a Belgian delegation made up of representatives of the investment, trade, public services, business and media sectors, who were there to get an idea of how the UAE is developing its health sectors.

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Philippe also met with Foreign Trade Minister Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, with whom he further discussed Belgian investment with the UAE. Sheikha Lubna encouraged the Belgian delegation to work with her country.

Next, the Crown Princely couple reunited and met with the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. Crown Prince Philippe and the Sheikh talked about tightening bilateral ties.

Thursday, the couple moved on to Dubai, where Philippe was welcomed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is both ruler of Dubai and the Vice President of the UAE. During their meeting, the Crown Prince and the Sheikh discussed economic ties between Belgium and the UAE.