Israel’s President Isaac Herzog will pay a historic visit to the United Arab Emirates at the end of the month, his office announced Tuesday, marking the latest high-profile diplomatic visit between the countries since relations were repaired.
According to Herzog’s office, the president, who will travel with the first lady, will meet Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates on the trip scheduled for January 30-31.
“I have the honor of being the first Israeli president to visit the United Arab Emirates,” Herzog said in a statement, noting that the countries were “building the groundwork for a new shared future.”
Herzog is also set to meet with Dubai’s ruler and key government officials, as well as pay a visit to the Dubai Expo, according to his office. The visit comes almost 16 months after the UAE established diplomatic relations with Israel.
The move is part of a series of US-brokered agreements dubbed the Abraham Accords, which have enraged Palestinians.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made history last month when he became the first Israeli head of government to visit the United Arab Emirates, during a trip that included international negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
Herzog, whose post is mostly ceremonial, will be Israel’s first head of state to visit the UAE on an official basis.
