Look: Rare photos chronicle Queen Elizabeth's visits to UAE

It was a British royal yacht, HMY Britannia, that docked at the port with Queen Elizabeth II onboard 43 years ago on February 26,1979. Here, she is pictured on board the ship with her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh (far right) and the UAE's founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (right).

March-past

Queen Elizabeth and President Zayed taking the salute after she arrived at Mina Zayed.

Treasured gift

Cassettes of Sheikh Zayed's falconeering being presented to Queen Elizabeth.

In conversation

Queen Elizabeth, the late Sheikh Zayed and Prince Philip seen in animated conversation inside a Bedouin-like tent during their visit to the Jebel Dhanna oil terminal, 300 km west of Abu Dhabi.

On tour

The queen sits beside Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, right, on the late Dubai Ruler's new dhow, as they are taken on a sight-seeing tour of the emirate.

New beginnings

Opening the desalination plant at the Dubai aluminium smelter at Jebel Ali, in the presence of Sheikh Rashid, Prince Philip and other distinguished guests.

Cultural experience

Arriving at a ceremony with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during a visit in 2010.

Memorial

Unveiling the plaque of the Zayed National Museum with Sheikh Mohammed in Abu Dhabi.

Token of love

Receiving a gift from school children after the unveiling of the design of the Zayed National Museum at Emirates Palace.

Ties that bind

Sharing a light moment with now UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Landmark visit

Queen Elizabeth II watches young girls read the Holy Quran in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, as part of a five-day state visit to the Gulf in 2010.

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