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The Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, His Excellency Teo Chee Hean has praised the tranquility of Al Ain – Abu Dhabi’s second largest city – following a half-day fact-finding tour of the Garden City of the Gulf.
The Deputy PM visited key tourism attractions in the oasis city accompanied by Ali Rashed Al Ketbi, Undersecretary of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Civil Service, Khalid Al Hashemi, Administration Director, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and Mohammed Amer Al Neyadi, Director of Historic Environment of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH).
HE Chee Hean toured the Al Ain Oasis – 1,200 hectares of date and fruit orchards which is now paved for visitors to walk through and which houses an restored ancient mosque and fortification – the Al Ain National Museum and the recently restored Al Jahili Fort with its exhibition of photographs taken by famed British explorer Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed the notorious Empty Quarter desert in the late 1940s. Throughout the Singaporean politician asked incisive questions of his host digging deep into the history of the region.
Following the tour, the Deputy Prime Minister spoke of his impressions of Al Ain, one of the most picturesque of UAE destinations which lies in the shadow of the towering Jebel Hafeet heights.
“Al Ain is a fascinating city which has given me a great insight into the rich culture and history of Abu Dhabi emirate,” said HE Chee Hean. “It has a distinctive personality, which comes from its long heritage and tradition from its more than 5000 years of continuous inhabitation because of its natural springs.
“I congratulate the people of the city for their commitment to maintaining the peaceful ambience of their home town. I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in understanding the history and culture of the UAE."
The Deputy PM was accompanied by an entourage of 14 Singaporean civil servants belonging to the country’s Civil Service College which has forged close training ties with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Civil Service.
Singapore’s links with Abu Dhabi are strengthening with the Singapore Tourism Board and ADTA recently signing a Memorandum of Understanding to further joint industry promotion and training. The island state’s national carrier, Singapore Airlines also recently stepped up its services to Abu Dhabi International Airport from a thrice-weekly to a daily service.
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