UAE minister hosts Israeli envoy at Ramadan Iftar

Israeli Ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Shelley, participated in a Ramadan Iftar hosted by Emirati Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Sultan Al-Neyadi, amid the ongoing blockade and aggression against Gaza’s residents.

Shelley shared a post on his X account, praising the Emirati minister for his hospitality. He said, “The Emirates Values Iftar Initiative was my first iftar experience in the UAE, and I had the honor of celebrating the spirit of community, tolerance, and generosity the Emirati way.”

He continued, “Your Excellency, I hold you in high regard as one of the few who have explored space, and your work embodies the values of tolerance and the visionary outlook of the UAE for the benefit of humanity.”

The minister, in turn, shared on his own X account, saying, “In a Ramadan atmosphere full of love and peace, I was pleased to attend the first event of the Emirates Values Iftar Initiative, where youth gathered with fellow residents at a Ramadan table reflecting social cohesion and the spirit of generosity and tolerance that we grew up with and are keen to instill in future generations.”

The UAE received Shelley’s credentials as the new Israeli ambassador in February.

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The UAE’s official news agency, WAM, reported that “Omar Obaid Al-Hassan Al-Shamsi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, received a copy of the credentials of the new Israeli ambassador to Abu Dhabi, Yossi Shelley.”

According to WAM, the Emirati official expressed his “wishes for success in carrying out his duties,” emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with Israel in various fields.

In turn, the Israeli ambassador praised the UAE’s “leading position regionally and internationally, thanks to the wise policies of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE,” according to Shelley.