Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and ruler of Abu Dhabi, along with his family and a massive entourage of 500 people, has arrived in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The wealthy ruler has reportedly built a R20-million runway with his own money to accommodate his private jet and cargo planes at Bulembu Airport, which was decommissioned for passenger travel decades ago.
The UAE president’s visit is said to be a private holiday, and the royal family has brought their own furniture, cars, and gym equipment for their two-week stay in the Eastern Cape. The entourage includes other members of the UAE royal family, staff, and top artists who are expected to perform for the family to mark the end of Ramadaan.
The decision to land at Bulembu Airport, which is currently occupied by the South African military’s airborne infantry unit and the SAPS Airwing, was reportedly due to the size of the aircraft being too big for the runway and turning circle at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha, which is the Eastern Cape’s only international port of entry by air. The UAE ruler requested to land at an airport near his private game resort in the Eastern Cape, which he built from scratch earlier this year after buying a large piece of land in the province two years ago.
South Africa’s Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane had applied to the Department of Home Affairs to declare Bulembu Airport a port of entry for the UAE visitors to land directly from their country. This visit follows Mabuyane’s visit to the UAE in March, where he met with Mubadala Investment Group and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to explore trade and investment opportunities in sectors such as renewable and green energy, oil and gas, manufacturing, agro-processing, and industrialization.
While some have been surprised by the landing of international flights at a decommissioned airport, government officials have stated that there have been no compromises on air traffic regulations and that the UAE president’s visit is aimed at building relations and experiencing the Eastern Cape. The visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his family has certainly captured attention and is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy and tourism industry in the Eastern Cape province in South Africa.
 and ruler of Abu Dhabi, along with his family and a massive entourage of 500 people, has arrived in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.){kind=link}