The former UAE ambassador was presented with the King Abdulaziz sash by order of King Salman
In accordance with the order of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the former Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Kingdom, was awarded the King Abdulaziz Sash of the Second Class. His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented the sash to Sheikh Shakhbout on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques during a reception at the Ministry headquarters in Riyadh.
This prestigious royal honor recognizes the distinguished efforts of Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan during his tenure as his country's ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and his active role in strengthening and consolidating bilateral relations between the two brotherly nations across various fields. This sash, bearing the name of the Kingdom's founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, reflects the depth of Saudi appreciation for the diplomatic role played by the Emirati ambassador during a period that witnessed a qualitative leap in the strategic partnership between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
Significance of the honor and the importance of Saudi-Emirati relations
This honor is not merely a routine protocol at the end of an ambassador's term; it carries profound political and diplomatic significance, reflecting the strength of Saudi-Emirati relations. The relationship between the two countries transcends traditional notions of international relations, reaching the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership and a shared destiny. This is clearly embodied in the Saudi-Emirati Coordination Council, which oversees hundreds of joint initiatives serving the people of both nations.
Historical background and upward trajectory
The relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is based on a long historical legacy, established by the founding fathers and continuing to grow and flourish under the current leadership. Recent years, particularly during Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan's time in Riyadh, have witnessed significant leaps in joint coordination on regional and international issues, as well as strong economic alignment between the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the UAE's development plans.
King Abdulaziz's sash: a highly symbolic gesture
The King Abdulaziz Sash is one of Saudi Arabia's highest honors, typically awarded to senior officials, members of the royal family, and ambassadors who have rendered distinguished service in strengthening their countries' relations with the Kingdom. The awarding of this second-class sash to the former UAE ambassador underscores the high level of satisfaction with diplomatic cooperation and the ongoing desire to further develop fraternal relations, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of both leaderships and peoples for security, stability, and prosperity.
It is worth noting that Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan moved after the end of his term in Riyadh to occupy the position of Minister of State in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which confirms the continuation of his pivotal role in Emirati and Gulf diplomacy.
