UAE's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid says 'Egypt has been with us since the beginning'

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, praised Egypt's loyal authentic leadership as he arrived in Cairo on Thursday to mark 50 years of ties.

“[Egypt] has been with us since the beginning of our state … Egypt was and will remain the bond, the treasure and the brother that we cannot do without,” he said in a tweet.

Sheikh Mohammed said Egypt was one of the first nations to express its support for the establishment of the UAE.

“I convey the greetings of the people of the UAE to Egypt, which the founder of the UAE called the heart of the Arab world. Without Egypt, the Arabs have no life,” he said. “The stability of our region and the development and well-being of the Arab world are deeply connected to that of Egypt. Egypt’s stability is vital to the prosperity of the region.”

It comes after Sheikh Mohammed shared a video of the UAE's history with Egypt and described the north African nation as having “one heart” with the Emirates.

He said the two countries now “celebrate the beginning of 50 new years, under the leadership of my brother President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and my brother Mohamed bin Zayed, President of the State, may God protect him. Egypt and the UAE are one heart.”

Sheikh Mohammed met Mr El Sisi at Al Ittihadiya Presidential Palace. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed extended an invitation for Egypt to be the guest of honour at the next World Government Summit in Dubai, in February.

Other dignitaries attending the meeting included Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth; Abdullah bin Touq, Minister of Economy; Dr Maitha Al Shamsi, Minister of State; Khalifa Al Marar, Minister of State; Khalifa Sulaiman, Chairman of Protocols for the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE; Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library; and Mariam Al Kaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt.

Dr Anwar Gargash said in Cairo that the UAE has long held the belief that Egypt is a “central figure” for regional stability.

“The UAE has a conviction that there is a need for countries with a moderate disposition and close vision to build an Arab narrative that is based on the best interests of their people to achieve stability and a prosperous future,” he said on the second of a three-day event.

“We have a conviction that Egypt is a central figure in this unity and the centrepiece that we can rely on.”

Dr Gargash told the audience of ministers, diplomats and key figures in both governments about a saying by UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan: “Egypt is the heart of Arabs.”

The senior official said the united Arab position is important during a time of regional challenges in economic development, food security, health, terrorism and extremism.

“We are completely committed to the relationship between the UAE and Egypt, which has always allowed the two countries to rely on each other during geopolitical changes,” he said.

“What makes this relationship special is its continuity and positivity — and it has remained stable since the time of Sheikh Zayed and Anwar Al Sadat.”

On Thursday, the UAE welcomed an agreement between Egypt and the IMF for a $3 billion loan from the Washington-based lender.

The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation affirmed its support for Egypt's efforts “to implement the necessary economic and structural reforms to ensure the preservation of strong, balanced and sustainable growth” to ensure its economic and financial stability and promote investment, growth and prosperity.

Ties have become stronger under Egypt's Mr El Sisi and Sheikh Mohamed, said Dr Gargash.

“The united vision by the UAE and Egypt has particularly helped stand up against extremism,” he said.

Dr Gargash said the relationship between the two nations has helped guide many of the directions and outlooks of neighbouring Arab states.

He said Egypt and the UAE's bilateral ties show that they are able to “rely on one another”.

The official also praised Egypt's work on “humanitarian issues” such as the environment, reflected in its role as host of the climate conference Cop27 in November.

On Wednesday, US special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry said the UAE and Egypt had shown “bold leadership” in their work to hasten the energy transformation.

“They're deeply engaged on the cutting edge of trying to help accelerate the transformation,” Mr Kerry said in a briefing.

“In addition, the UAE has been on the cutting edge of a whole bunch of technology investments. And for a gas and oil-producing country, I think it's exceptional.

“I think that's bold leadership.”