Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has purchased 60 tonnes of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the United Kingdom’s National Healthcare Service.
The 70-year-old ruler of Dubai donated the much-needed PPE for use in the NHS.
The first of several planes containing the cargo landed at Heathrow Airport on Thursday afternoon, with more planes expected.
The equipment, which includes face masks, had been bought by His Highness from suppliers in China.
A spokesperson for the Sheikh said the donation has been made because of his ‘deep and longstanding connections with the UK’ and that ‘he is determined to do his bit to keep Britain’s health workers safe.’
Sheikh Mohammed has strong links with the UK and is one of horse racing’s leading figures.
He has often been pictured with The Queen at race meetings, and has sat alongside her in the Royal Ascot carriage procession.
However, it is understood that Her Majesty is keen to avoid being seen with Dubai’s ruler in the future following a damning court case.
Earlier this year, Britain’s High Court ruled that Sheikh Mohammed abducted two of his daughters and threatened Princess Haya.
The Sheikh had been fighting to keep the judgment secret, but his appeals were denied as the case is of public interest. The Ruler of Dubai was found not to have “been open and honest with the court.”
