World news story: The British Embassy plants a tree in celebration of the Year of Zayed

The Minister of Tolerance, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, together with the British Ambassador to the UAE, today planted a tree in the grounds of the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi to commemorate the Year of Zayed.

Planted in the garden of the Ambassador’s Residence, the ghaf tree, the national tree of the UAE, is a celebration and a reminder of the leading role that the late Sheikh Zayed played in greening the UAE and seeking environmental sustainability. The Ambassador and His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan were joined for the event by staff from the Embassy.

The plaque which stands in front of the tree includes a fitting quote from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which reads: “They used to say that agriculture has no future, but with God’s blessing and our determination, we have succeeded in transforming this desert into a green land.”

Speaking at the event, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan said:

Our country’s national tree sending its roots deep into the garden of the British Embassy in our capital city of Abu Dhabi would have delighted our nation’s late founder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. No one was more devoted to our environment than Sheikh Zayed.

Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the UAE, Philip Parham said:

The tree, as well as being an emblem of the UAE, is a very appropriate symbol for this celebration. First of all, because Sheikh Zayed hugely valued the environment which is a key part of his legacy. Secondly, because it will endure for years and years and send a positive message to our successors and future generations on Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and the enduring relationship between the UK and UAE.