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.
H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Qaiwain, received condolences on the passing of his mother, the late Sheikha Hessa bint Hamid bin Abdulrahman Al Shamsi, at the condolence majlis held at the Emiri Court.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, received well-wishers on Monday at Zaabil Majlis on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr.
The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeals' State Security Chamber has convicted the defendants of the kidnapping and murder of Moldovan-Israeli citizen Zvi Kogan. Three defendants have been sentenced to death, and the fourth to life imprisonment, for the premeditated murder with terrorist intention.
The UAE has urgently dispatched a search and rescue team, comprising members from Abu Dhabi Police, the National Guard, and the Joint Operations Command, to support efforts to save people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar.