Donald Trump
the President of the United States, made a historic visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, marking his first visit to a mosque as president. This significant gesture is seen as an effort to strengthen US relations with the Muslim world.
Key Highlights of the Visit:
– Exclusive Mosque Closure: The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was closed to the public for the first time in its history to accommodate Trump’s visit.
– Tribute to Sheikh Zayed: Trump paid respects at the mausoleum of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, and reflected on his legacy of promoting global values of tolerance, coexistence, and peace.
– Tour and Briefing: Trump’s delegation toured the mosque’s grand halls and courtyards, receiving insights into its role in intercultural dialogue and understanding among diverse religions and civilizations.
– Celebratory Gesture: The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, was lit up in red, white, and blue, the colors of the US flag, to celebrate Trump’s visit.
Significance of the Visit:
– Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The visit underscores the strong economic cooperation and strategic interests between the US and the UAE, with bilateral trade reaching $32.8 billion in non-oil sectors in 2024.
– Historic Significance: Trump’s visit marks a significant moment in US-UAE relations, highlighting the importance of the region in US foreign policy and business ties ¹.
