UAE leaders congratulate Iran ahead of Islamic Revolution anniversary

Messages sent to the Iranian president before Thursday's anniversary

Iranians on bicycles attend a rally marking the 42nd anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, at Azadi Square in Tehran, Iran on Wednesday. The usual parades on foot were abandoned as a measure to preveShow more

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa sent a message of congratulations to Iran's President Hassan Rouhani ahead of the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution on Thursday.

Similar messages of congratulations were also sent to Mr Rouhani by both Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, reported Wam.
The UAE and Iran have diplomatic ties and co-operate on technical issues such as on a joint coastguard committee to manage shipping in the Gulf.
There is a sizeable Iranian diaspora in the Emirates and the two countries have substantial trade links.

The UAE sent shipments of medical aid to Iran last year during the pandemic and also provided humanitarian relief to victims of floods in the south-western area of the country in 2019.

On Wednesday, Iranians staged a socially-distanced commemoration of the revolution due to the pandemic, parading in vehicles to avoid infection rather than on foot.