Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja sworn in as UAE’s first ambassador to Israel

Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja was sworn in as the first Emirati ambassador to Israel on Sunday.

Al Khaja was sworn in by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at a ceremony at the Qasr Al Watan Palace in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohammed wished Al Khaja success in his mission, calling on the ambassador to work sincerely to strengthen the friendship and cooperation relations with Israel, and to maintain the culture of peace, coexistence and tolerance between the two nations.

In January, the UAE Cabinet approved the decision to set up an embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel, a few months after the historic signing of the Abraham Accords.

The Israeli embassy in the UAE’s capital of Abu Dhabi is currently operating out of a temporary office until a permanent facility is located.

Read: UAE cabinet approves decision to establish embassy in Tel Aviv

Israel’s ambassador to the UAE Eitan Na’eh, will meanwhile serve as charge d’affaires until a permanent ambassador is appointed and has already arrived in Abu Dhabi.

. @HHShkMohd accepts credentials of two new ambassadors to the #UAE. pic.twitter.com/EcwseYaBu3

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 14, 2021

On Sunday’s swearing-in ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed also received the credentials of the ambassadors of the Republic of Dominican and Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the UAE.

Julio Simon Castanos Zouain will serve as the Dominican Republic’s ambassador to the UAE, and Afzaal Mahmood Mirza will serve as Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE.