UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed confers First-Class Order of Zayed II on US Ambassador Martina Strong

TL;DR:

• UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded the prestigious First-Class Order of Zayed II to Martina Strong , outgoing US Ambassador, honouring her contributions to UAE-US relations .
  
  
• The First-Class Order of Zayed II is the UAE’s one of the highest honour, given to leaders and diplomats for exceptional service advancing the nation’s interests and global standing.

• Martina Strong, a seasoned diplomat, was recognized for strengthening security, economic, and cultural ties during her tenure in the UAE, exemplifying the award’s significance.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conferred the prestigious First-Class Order of Zayed II on Martina Strong, the outgoing Ambassador of the United States to the UAE. The honour, presented to Ambassador Strong in a formal ceremony by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, recognizes her significant contributions to strengthening and advancing the strategic relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the United States during her tenure. Ambassador Strong expressed deep appreciation, emphasizing the enduring partnership between the two nations.

What is the First Class Order of Zayed II?
The First Class Order of Zayed II is one of the highest civilian honours the United Arab Emirates bestows. It is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country's founding father, and is traditionally granted to foreign diplomats, senior officials, dignitaries, and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding service in strengthening the UAE's bilateral relationships or have rendered notable service to the nation.
This award is separate from the Order of Zayed, which is the UAE’s highest civil decoration, usually reserved for heads of state and national leaders. It is awarded to individuals, often heads of state, officials, and diplomats, who have rendered distinguished service to the UAE or significantly contributed to the nation’s development, security, and international relations. The honour represents the utmost recognition from the UAE government and embodies the values and vision of Sheikh Zayed.

The First Class Order of Zayed II is recognized for its ornate gold insignia symbolizing Emirati heritage and service. Its recipients are carefully selected based on documented contributions to diplomacy, international cooperation, or national progress relevant to the UAE.

Here are several notable past recipients of the First Class Order of Zayed II, which is among the United Arab Emirates’ highest civilian honours, awarded for exceptional service in strengthening UAE relations or major contributions to global or national causes:

• Navdeep Singh Suri (2019): Outgoing Indian Ambassador to the UAE, honoured for his role in fostering UAE–India diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties.
  
• Dan Jørgensen (2024): Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, honoured for his vital role in the success of COP28 hosted in the UAE

• Prof. Saleemul Huq (posthumously, 2024): A member of the COP28 Advisory Committee, awarded for his outstanding efforts in operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund for climate action.

About Martina Strong:
Martina Strong is an American diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to the UAE beginning in 2023. A seasoned career diplomat, her previous roles included Charge d’Affaires in Saudi Arabia, Deputy Chief of Mission in Bulgaria, and key assignments in Baghdad, Basra, and other significant postings. During her two-year tenure in the UAE, Ambassador Strong played a leading role in enhancing security, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries. She is recognized for her diplomatic acumen, advancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors including defense, trade, and people-to-people engagement.

Award significance and context:

• The First Class Order of Zayed II, conferred on Strong, is a mark of the UAE’s deep appreciation for her effective efforts in promoting strategic cooperation, security dialogue, and economic collaboration during her mission.
  
• Previous recipients of this award include senior foreign envoys, dignitaries, and diplomats who have played key roles in fostering bilateral and multilateral partnerships with the UAE.
  
• The timing of this award underscores the UAE’s commitment to formal diplomatic recognition and celebrates the strengthened ties achieved during Ambassador Strong’s stewardship.
  

By receiving the First Class Order of Zayed II, Martina Strong joins a distinguished group of diplomats and leaders honoured by the UAE for their service in advancing the country’s international interests and bilateral relationships. The award ceremony represents not only a personal accolade but also a broader testament to the robust and enduring ties between the United Arab Emirates and the United States.