Visits Kuwait in 1979

Hosted by Emir Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah of Kuwait, her trip entailed of an official welcome including a tour of the newly-built Kuwait Towers. This was followed by a state dinner hosted in honour of the Queen and a return dinner on the Royal Yacht, Britannia.

Image: Getty

A trip to Oman in 1979

Welcomed by the late Sultan Qaboos, the Queen arrived on February 28, 1979 and visited the souqs of Muscat, walked through Nizwa Fort, and hosted a state dinner on the Royal Yacht Britannia after sharing her mutual love for horses with the Sultan.

Image: Getty

Travels to Saudi Arabia in 1979

Hosted by King Khalid, Her Majesty made a rather striking impression. During her trip, Queen Elizabeth spent an afternoon using her military-grade driving skills, at a time when women were not yet allowed to drive in Saudi Arabia.

Image: Courtesy of The Royal Collection Trust

Visits the UAE in 1979

The monarch and Prince Philip were the first British royals to visit the UAE in 1979, eight years after the emirates first united together in 1971. After arriving on her royal yacht, Britannia, she was greeted by the late founder of the nation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and given a tour around the new municipality building and Jebal Ali port.

Image: Getty

Her Majesty visits Qatar in 1979

Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Qatar on a state visit and were hosted by Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani. After a warm welcome in a Bedouin tent, the afternoon continues with a visit to pearl drivers on a traditional wooden dhow, a tour of the Doha National Museum and a state dinner at Al-Rayyan Palace hosted by the Emir.

Image: Getty

Another trip to Oman in 2010

Seen in a regal all-pink look, Her Majesty travelled to Oman for the second time in 2010 to strengthen ties with the Gulf Arab states. With a busy schedule of engagements, the Queen carried on meetings with local dignitaries and exchanging official gifts with a state banquet at Al Alam Palace on the following day. Other key events included an equestrian show at Madinat al-Hidayat and a garden party reception at the home of the British ambassador to Oman.

Image: Getty

Another visit to the UAE in 2010

To affirm a new stage in the UAE-British bilateral and corporative relations, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip paid a second visit to the UAE in 2010. Invited by former President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the meeting aimed to strengthen ties between both the countries.

Image: Supplied

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi

On the same trip in 2010, Her Majesty visited the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi with her husband, Prince Philip. His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed showed the royal couple around the UAE's largest mosque.

Image: Getty

Celebrating the life of Queen Elizabeth II: 9 precious times she visited the GCC

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in the United Kingdom’s history, died aged 96 on September 8, 2022. Her Majesty died “peacefully” at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, according to Buckingham Palace. Her son, now known as King Charles III,  ascended the throne last weekend in a coronation ceremony watched by millions around the globe. […]

Celebrating the life of Queen Elizabeth II: 9 precious times she visited the GCC

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in the United Kingdom’s history, died aged 96 on September 8, 2022. Her Majesty died “peacefully” at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, according to Buckingham Palace. Her son, now known as King Charles III,  ascended the throne last weekend in a coronation ceremony watched by millions around the globe. […]