DOHA: The President of the UAE arrived in Qatar on Monday, breaking the frozen ties as it had boycotted Doha nearly two years ago.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the UAE’s de facto ruler for years before becoming president in May, was met on arrival in Doha by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, whose country is hosting soccer’s World Cup, the emir’s office said. Reports, this state visit comes in response to an invitation extended by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and stems from the brotherly relations between the two countries.
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt ended their 3-and-a-half-year embargo on Qatar. Saudi Arabia’s crown prince and Egypt’s president attended the opening World Cup ceremony in Doha on Nov. 20 while the UAE sent Dubai’s ruler, who is also the Gulf state’s vice-president.
A political dispute was seen years ago as Riyadh and its allies had severed all ties with Doha over its support for Islamist groups they deem a threat to Gulf dynastic rule and its ties with rivals Iran and Turkey.
UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan visited Doha twice as part of Abu Dhabi’s push to manage regional differences.