
Mohammed bin Rashid meets with Mansour bin Zayed at Al Marmoom
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid highlighted the shared responsibility of advancing the nation, preserving its achievements, and ensuring a high standard of living for its people, noting that this work continues under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh
His Highness affirmed that the UAE's leadership is united in its goal to build a more prosperous future for the coming generations and to firmly establish the country as a leading model of development in the region and globally.
His Highness
further highlighted the importance of intensifying efforts and coordinating capabilities to accelerate progress towards national targets, ensuring alignment with the UAE's future development goals.
The meeting addressed a range of issues and topics related to government work and its ongoing development plans.
The meeting also reviewed recent updates on government initiatives and projects, with a focus on improving services and supporting all segments of Emirati society.

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Al Etihad
4 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ranks 1st in Middle East and 8th globally in 2025 TripAdvisor report
8 Aug 2025 11:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (SZGM) in Abu Dhabi has achieved a new global milestone by advancing to higher ranks on the list of the world's most prominent landmarks, according to leading travel and tourism platform TripAdvisor's 2025 global the Top Attractions category, the SZGM ranked eighth globally among 25 distinguished landmarks, climbing two places from its 2024 ranking. It also retained its position as the number one attraction in the Middle East in this category, topping a list of the region's ten most iconic global ranking is based on a comprehensive analysis of more than eight million landmarks worldwide. It ranked within the top one per cent of all sites reviewed, reflecting its distinguished status both regionally and internationally, and reaffirming its leading role in promoting cultural tourism in the United Arab another notable accomplishment, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Fujairah was ranked among the top 10 per cent of landmarks worldwide, according to selections made by travellers from across the globe. This achievement is particularly remarkable given the recent activation of visitor services at the mosque. These milestones, achieved by both mosques, affirm their leadership as cultural destinations on the global tourism map. Both have become prominent international landmarks, drawing visitors from diverse cultures around the Excellency Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC), said: 'The global recognition attained by Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi reflects the visionary leadership of the UAE. It is the outcome of the centre's strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing services and providing exceptional experiences for its guests. This success crowns a continuous series of outstanding initiatives and services offered throughout the year. These efforts have included the development of both cultural and physical infrastructure, enhancement of facilities, excellence in specialist staff, and the empowerment of Emirati youth by qualifying them to deliver cultural tours and host the mosque's diverse visitors through distinguished programmes that embody the mosque's civilisational message.'His Excellency added: 'These accomplishments open new horizons for the centre, through which we anticipate the future with strategies and plans that enable it to continue fulfilling its civilisational mission with greater efficiency. They also allow us to consistently enrich the guest experience through religious and cultural programmes, exhibitions, and initiatives that reflect the mosque's message - presented in innovative formats and a refined manner that meets aspirations and fulfils our vision.'The high international rankings achieved by SZGM in Abu Dhabi underscore its global distinction as a unique model among places of worship and cultural landmarks, serving as a benchmark in the region and beyond. Its role extends beyond that of a religious site hosting prayers and rituals - it stands out as a beacon of civilisation and culture, advancing the UAE's message of peaceful coexistence and SZGM also revives and celebrates the elements of Islamic civilisation, embodying a distinctive architectural representation of Islamic art and heritage. It has established itself as a singular cultural tourism destination, welcoming more than seven million visitors and worshippers annually from across the globe. Within its serene spaces, people of different cultures and faiths come together, forming a human tapestry framed by values of fraternity -within a sanctuary of peace and coexistence. Shared human values bind them, and the language of civilisational dialogue becomes the bridge through which they transcend all SZGMC is steadfast in its continuous development of diverse, integrated services across all its landmarks and facilities, maintaining the highest standards to meet the evolving needs of its guests. At the SZGM in Abu Dhabi, visitors can spend an entire day enjoying a wide array of offerings - from the visitor centre, which includes exhibition halls, an auditorium, and a library, to Souq Al Jami', featuring shops, recreational spaces, and restaurants catering to all age groups. These facilities offer moments of rest and enjoyment within a unique atmosphere, further complemented by the mosque's jogging track that invites community members of all backgrounds to engage in physical activity while taking in the breathtaking exterior views of the SZGMC operates under a strategic plan, implemented through a cohesive system led by highly skilled professionals across various disciplines. These national talents work to provide exceptional cultural experiences to visitors from around the world. Among the most distinguished of these are the cultural tours, which are delivered by a select group of Emirati Cultural Tour Specialists who represent the UAE's civilisational identity and promote its message of peace and to its prestigious global standing, the SZGM has become a key destination for high-level dignitaries visiting the UAE. Overseas visitors account for approximately 82 per cent of its total guests. In the first half of the current year, the SZGMC continued to expand its innovative services and experiences, contributing to a notable rise in visitor numbers. Among the most prominent offerings are the general cultural tours and the 'Unseen Glimpses' tours - guided experiences delivered aboard custom electric club cars that offer guests exclusive insights into areas previously unexplored by the experiences are part of an integrated set of high-standard services and activities, including Souq Al Jami, the mosque's jogging track, and the Sura evening tours, which grant visitors access to the mosque 24 hours a day. The Sura experience is designed for visitors to Abu Dhabi and the UAE who are on short transit stays or unable to visit during regular hours. It offers them an opportunity to witness aspects of the mosque not typically accessible during the day, such as scheduled maintenance and extraordinary cleaning SZGMC also provides El-Delleel, a multimedia device that offers immersive cultural tours in 14 international languages, including a dedicated sign language tour designed for guests who are deaf or have hearing impairments, as well as tailored tours for children -ensuring an inclusive visitor the SZGMC's continuous expansion in offering distinguished cultural experiences, the Dome of Peace at SZGM has emerged as a leading cultural destination in Abu Dhabi, providing visitors with a comprehensive and immersive journey that blends authenticity with innovation, all within a single, integrated SZGMC has played a pivotal role in reinforcing the SZGM's standing as a global hub for cultural dialogue, through diverse facilities that include the specialised Al Jami Library, a cultural auditorium, and a series of permanent and temporary exhibitions that spotlight ancient civilisations. Among the most notable exhibitions are Al-Andalus: History and Civilisation, Coins of Islam: History Revealed, Islamic Coins: Civilisational Testimonies, Artistic Characteristics – Elegant Calligraphy and Inspiring Features, and the Hajj: Memories of a Journey, exhibition. Additionally, the Light & Peace Museum offers a dynamic, interactive space that fuses art with knowledge, while the Diya – A Universe of Light immersive experience invites visitors on a sensory journey. Presented in a 360-degree format with sound, visual, and wind effects, the experience takes guests from a celestial realm illuminated by starlight to the very heart of the UAE's heritage, visually narrating the SZGM's enduring message of coexistence and peace.

The National
4 hours ago
- The National
UAE and Russia strengthen strategic partnership during President Sheikh Mohamed's visit
President Sheikh Mohamed's official visit to Moscow marked significant progress in strengthening the strategic partnership between the UAE and Russia. During his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, the two leaders discussed expanding co-operation across key areas, including the economy, trade, investment, space and energy. The leaders reviewed progress in UAE-Russia relations, which have been built on over five decades of mutual trust and respect. The outcome of the visit, which began on Thursday and concluded by Friday, was the signing of the Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA), aimed at further enhancing the economic ties between the two countries, according to the state news agency Wam. The agreement involves several key sectors, including financial technology, healthcare, transportation, logistics, and professional services. The TISIA builds on the UAE's existing economic partnership with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which comprises Russia and other member states, including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The agreement establishes a specialised framework for bilateral co-operation, which is expected to bring substantial benefits to both countries in the years to come. In addition to the TISIA, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on land transport co-operation was signed by the UAE's Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, and Russia's Minister of Transport, Andrey Nikitin. This partnership aims to enhance transport links between the two nations, facilitating smoother trade and logistical exchanges. The humanitarian aspect of the visit was also pivotal. Sheikh Mohamed reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to facilitating the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. Sheikh Mohamed also emphasised the UAE's readiness to continue supporting this effort, building on the success of previous mediations that resulted in the release of over 4,000 prisoners. Regarding regional issues, the two leaders discussed the continuing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They agreed on the need for intensified diplomatic efforts to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, with the two-state solution as the cornerstone for ensuring stability and security in the region. The discussions also touched on the upcoming Russia-Arab summit, scheduled for October 2025. Both leaders recognised the summit's potential to strengthen Russia's relations with the Arab world, highlighting its importance in advancing diplomatic, economic, and political engagement between Russia and Arab nations.


Emirates 24/7
7 hours ago
- Emirates 24/7
UAE, Russian Presidents discuss bilateral strategic partnership in Moscow
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met with His Excellency Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, to discuss enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries, in addition to regional and international issues of common interest. The two leaders met today at the Kremlin as part of His Highness' official visit to Russia. During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Excellency Putin reviewed progress in UAE-Russia cooperation, particularly in the fields of the economy, trade, investment, space, and energy, as well as other areas that serve the development-focused priorities of both countries and reflect their aim to bolster their strategic partnership. His Highness the President stated that UAE-Russia relations are based on mutual trust and respect, as well as deep-rooted and constructive engagement spanning more than 50 years. His Highness affirmed the UAE's commitment to building effective partnerships with other countries and enhancing international cooperation to address shared global challenges and foster prosperity and development for all. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Excellency Putin also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. In this regard, His Highness affirmed the UAE's steadfast commitment to strengthening peace and stability while advancing diplomatic solutions both regionally and globally. The two sides also discussed the importance of the Russia-Arab summit, scheduled to be held in October at the direction of His Excellency Putin, in strengthening Russia's relations with the Arab world. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and His Excellency Putin reviewed developments in the Middle East, underscoring the need to intensify efforts towards achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution with the aim of promoting stability and security for all. His Highness also expressed his appreciation to His Excellency Putin for facilitating the UAE's mediation concerning the exchange of over 4,000 prisoners between Russia and Ukraine, emphasising the UAE's continued willingness to further advance this humanitarian effort. For his part, His Excellency Putin welcomed His Highness to Russia, expressing his appreciation for the UAE's ongoing mediation efforts on prisoner exchanges. His Excellency Putin stated that Russia attaches great importance to developing its relations with the UAE, noting that the two countries' cooperation continues to grow, especially in the economic and investment fields. His Excellency Putin hosted a luncheon for His Highness and the accompanying delegation. While arriving earlier at the Kremlin, His Highness the President was received by His Excellency Putin. The national anthems of both countries were played, and His Highness greeted senior officials lined up to welcome him, while His Excellency Putin greeted members of the delegation accompanying His Highness. On the sidelines of the visit, the two countries signed the Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA). The agreement was signed on behalf of the UAE by His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, and on behalf of the Russian side by His Excellency Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development. The UAE-Russia TISIA complements the Economic Partnership Agreement signed between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, in addition to Russia. It provides a special bilateral cooperation framework focusing on services and investment, including in the areas of financial technology, healthcare, transportation, logistics, professional services, and others. His Excellency Suhail MohamMed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and His Excellency Andrey Nikitin, Russian Minister of Transport, also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of land transport. The delegation accompanying His Highness the President attended the talks, including H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor to the UAE President; Ali bin Hammad Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of Supreme Council for National Security; Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment; Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State; Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs; Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the President's Office for Strategic Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office; and Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to the Russian Federation, along with a number of senior officials. The talks were also attended by ministers and senior officials from the Russian side. His Highness the President departed Moscow at the conclusion of his official visit to Russia, with military aircraft escorting His Highness' plane through Russian airspace.