Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum acknowledged the strong and close bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and emphasised the UAE's appreciation for Saudi Arabia's role in establishing stability and security in the region. He affirmed the importance of Saudi Arabia's role under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed expressed his firm belief that Saudi Arabia will play a pivotal role in leading the region to peace and stability.

His Highness's comments came during his visit to the headquarters of Asharq Al Awsat newspaper in London. The visit reflects His Highness's steadfast support for Arab media and his keenness to maintain constructive communication with Arab media leaders.

Editor in Chief of Asharq Al Awsat Salman Aldossary and senior executives received His Highness at the newspaper's headquarters. As one of the Arab world's most influential leaders and a global patron of media and journalism, the newspaper's management and staff welcomed His Highness's visit.

His Highness toured the newspaper's offices and was briefed by its Editor in Chief on work processes, strategies and editorial policies that help the newspaper to maintain the highest professional standards. Salman Aldossary also briefed His Highness on the daily work in the newspaper's London office and its global network in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

His Highness also met the newspaper's Assistant Editors-in-Chief Aidroos Abdulaziz and Zaid bin Kami, and conversed with the newspaper's journalists and editors. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed expressed his appreciation for the excellence shown by the newspaper, which has enabled Asharq Al Awsat to gain a leading position among the region's news media outlets. He also commended the balanced editorial policy and the constant growth and development of the newspaper.

The Asharq Al Awsat team thanked His Highness Sheikh Mohammed for his generous gesture and praised his efforts in supporting Arab media by developing the world's largest media city in Dubai.

Editor-in-Chief of Asharq Al Awsat Salman Aldossary described His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's visit as "historic" considering it a clear example of His Highness's patronage of media and journalists.

The newspaper's editorial team presented a copy of Asharq Al Awsat's first edition to His Highness. During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Director General of Dubai Protocol Department Khalifa Saeed Suleiman and Director of Dubai Office in London Abdulla Al Mansouri.

Source: WAM