UAE leaders congratulate United States President Joe Biden after inauguration

President Sheikh Khalifa leads messages of support for new incumbent at the White House

Dubai Ruler and UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid greets Joe Biden, then US vice-president, in a post shared by Sheikh Mohammed on Twitter on November 8, 2020, to congratulate Biden on hisShow more

UAE leaders congratulated Joe Biden after he was confirmed as the 46th president of the United States.

Mr Biden and Kamala Harris were officially sworn in as president and vice president during a landmark inauguration in Washington on Wednesday.

The veteran Democrat swept to power after a bitterly fought – and subsequently contested – election battle with predecessor Donald Trump.

The ceremony came only two weeks after a violent insurrection at the US Capitol by pro-Trump rioters.

At least 25,000 National Guard members were on duty amid heightened fears of armed protests.

President Sheikh Khalifa sent a message of support to his American counterpart.

In his cable, Sheikh Khalifa wished Mr Biden success and expressed hope that the two countries would deepen their decades-long ties under his administration, working side by side on key issues such as global health, climate change and tackling violent extremism.

Sheikh Khalifa reflected on the close bonds already built up between Mr Biden and the Emirates during his years of service in the US Senate and his eight years as vice president under the leadership of Barack Obama.

The message was echoed by 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, who called for the nations to work closely in the future.

Sheikh Mohamed welcomed the opportunity to work with the new president to tackle global issues and solidify peace efforts in the region.

He wished the new Biden-Harris administration well in a message on Twitter on Thursday.

In his inauguration speech, President Biden said his election was a victory for democracy.

"This is America's day. This is democracy's day. A day of history and hope, of renewal and resolve," he said.

"Today we celebrate the triumph not of a candidate but of a cause, a cause of democracy. The people – the will of the people – has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded.

"We've learnt, again, that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. And, at this hour my friends, democracy has prevailed."

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