News

Inside the UAE president’s South African holiday

The UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan jetted into South Africa for a holiday – and brought helicopters, cars, guns, furniture and a delegation of at least 500 guests for his stay.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan at Abu Dhabi’s presidential airport. PHOTO: AFP/Abdulla AL-NEYADI

Since the UAE President’s landing, the South African government has been questioned whether everything was done according to the book.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has since assured that ministers will give detailed information regarding his UAE counterpart’s visit.

ALSO READ: UAE will soon offer new five-year multiple-entry visa

INSIDE UAE ROYAL FAMILY CAPE TOWN GETAWAY

The UAE President landed in the Eastern Cape with hundreds of guests at the Bulembu Airport.

The airport was used as an official “temporary” port of entry for the president and his VIP delegation.

News24 reports the UAE president brought along 500 guests for a two-week visit at a private game reserve he owns in the province.

ALSO READ: UAE president lands on R20m runway he built for himself in Eastern Cape

A government official revealed that on Wednesday alone, the airport had 15 air traffic ‘movements’ at the airport.

TimesLive reported that he brought along with him helicopters while News24 revealed that a cargo plane landed with five choppers, with one of the choppers being an air ambulance

The other was said to be for transport, with one for the protection unit and two for supplies.

ALSO READ: Ramaphosa says ministers to provide explanation on UAE President’s visit

The publication also revealed that the royal family and guests brought furniture and gym equipment.

A fleet of cars was also reported to have been brought in for their two-week stay in the Eastern Cape.

GOVERNMENT CLEARS THE AIR ON UAE PRESIDENT VISIT

Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni revealed that the hosting of the president conforms to international diplomatic standards and was fully compliant with South African laws.

Police minister Bheki Cele also revealed that the visiting delegation brought several hunting guns with them.

The police regulated them and allowed a limited number of firearms and several pieces of ammunition, according to South African laws.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY LEEROY MUKOTEKWA

The South African

The South African is an independent, impartial, and fact-driven online news platform. Visit TheSouthAfrican.com for all the latest news, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle stories from South Africa and around the world.

Recent Posts

Who are the most-capped Springboks in Test rugby?

Discover the names of the seven players who have played more over 100 Tests in…

12 months ago

Springboks trophy tour bus crashes in the Eastern Cape

The Springbok branded Tour bus was involved accident that happened on Monday while the vehicle was travelling from…

12 months ago

Several SEVERE weather alerts issued for the country from TODAY

Shorts and slops or an umbrella? Here's what the weather holds for every province in…

1 year ago

Guinness World Records: Largest LEGO® brick playing card

The largest LEGO® brick playing card is 3.69 m X 2.59 m (12 ft 1…

1 year ago

Joke of the day: Stocking up on green beans – 16 October 2023

Laughter is the best medicine they say and South Africans certainly could do with a…

1 year ago

WEATHER: Severe thunderstorms, winds, heavy rain and HAIL to hit these parts of SA

Shorts and slops or an umbrella? Here's what the weather holds for every province in…

1 year ago