US President Joe Biden has thanked the UAE for facilitating the release of basketball star Brittney Griner in a prisoner swap with Russia.
In a statement, Biden expressed his appreciation for the success of the Emirati-Saudi mediation efforts in freeing Griner in exchange for the release of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed his gratitude to the UAE.
In a statement issued by the US Department of State, Blinken said, "We also extend deep appreciation to our many partners who helped achieve this outcome, including our Emirati friends, who assisted in the transfer today."
On Thursday, the UAE-Saudi joint statement announced the success of the mediation led by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
Griner arrived in Abu Dhabi on board a private plane from Moscow on December 8 after her release by Russian authorities, as Russian citizen Viktor Bout, a former arms dealer, came in on another private plane from Washington after being released by the US.
The UAE has announced a long-term residency scheme for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection, sustainability, circular economy and related areas.
The Earth-observation satellite MBZ-SAT is set to be launched no earlier than October 2024, marking a significant milestone in the UAE's space endeavours.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed health ministers and officials to Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, for the first Abu Dhabi Global Healthcare Week.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai have discussed a number of important national issues.
Conservation experts and nature enthusiasts have come together in a global 24-hour live stream for the first-ever World Species Congress, which kicked off on May 15.