UAE Honours US Ambassador Martina Strong With Zayed II Award

The enduring ties between the United Arab Emirates and the United States have once again been underscored through a moment of diplomatic recognition and appreciation. In a prestigious ceremony held in Abu Dhabi, the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, conferred the First-Class Order of Zayed II upon the outgoing U.S. Ambassador to the UAE, Martina Strong. This symbolic gesture not only celebrated her successful diplomatic mission but also reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering global alliances built on mutual respect and strategic cooperation.

A Distinguished Honour Reflecting Diplomatic Excellence

The First-Class Order of Zayed II is one of the highest civilian honours awarded by the United Arab Emirates. Instituted in the spirit of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, the award embodies the nation’s enduring principles of unity, leadership, and international cooperation. Reserved for dignitaries, senior officials, and foreign diplomats who have rendered distinguished service in building and enhancing the UAE’s global relationships, this award carries immense symbolic and diplomatic value.

Ambassador Martina Strong was honoured with this prestigious award in a formal ceremony where Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented the decoration on behalf of the President. This recognition was a testament to her instrumental role in strengthening the bilateral partnership between the UAE and the United States during her tenure.

Martina Strong: A Seasoned Diplomat with Strategic Vision

Martina Strong, a highly experienced diplomat from the United States, began her tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the UAE in 2023. Her diplomatic career spans several critical global assignments, including her previous role as Charge d’Affaires in Saudi Arabia, Deputy Chief of Mission in Bulgaria, and pivotal postings in conflict regions such as Baghdad and Basra. Each of these assignments showcased her capabilities in high-stakes diplomacy, complex negotiations, and promoting cross-cultural cooperation.

In her role as Ambassador to the UAE, Strong was widely acknowledged for her commitment to deepening ties across key sectors notably in trade, defense, technology, and cultural diplomacy. Her leadership saw the successful expansion of bilateral initiatives that supported both nations’ strategic priorities, while also enhancing people-to-people relationships.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties Through Diplomacy and Dialogue

Ambassador Strong’s efforts played a central role in consolidating the UAE-U.S. strategic relationship, which spans defense cooperation, regional security dialogue, energy collaboration, and investment partnerships. Under her stewardship, the U.S. and UAE saw enhanced engagement through high-level visits, military collaborations, trade agreements, and public diplomacy programs.

Her time in office was also marked by the nurturing of inclusive dialogue platforms, knowledge exchange, and sustainability-focused partnerships that align with the UAE’s forward-looking Vision 2031 and the U.S.’s regional engagement strategy.

Symbolism Behind the First-Class Order of Zayed II

The First-Class Order of Zayed II is not merely a token of gratitude. It is an elite distinction that embodies the core values of diplomacy, respect, and mutual growth. Named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the award is recognized for its gold-encrusted insignia that reflects the Emirati spirit, heritage, and the nation’s aspiration toward unity and global cooperation.

Distinct from the higher Order of Zayed which is typically conferred upon heads of state and monarchs the First-Class Order of Zayed II is granted to diplomats and dignitaries whose efforts have significantly contributed to strengthening the UAE’s international relationships. The criteria for selection are meticulous, with focus placed on actual diplomatic impact, vision-driven engagement, and cultural bridging.

Previous Honourees Reflecting the Global Outreach of the UAE

Martina Strong joins a distinguished list of international figures who have previously received the First-Class Order of Zayed II. Each recipient has, in their own right, shaped the narrative of diplomacy in the UAE:

• Navdeep Singh Suri (2019): The outgoing Indian Ambassador was celebrated for enhancing India-UAE bilateral ties in trade, energy, and cultural exchange.
• Dan Jørgensen (2024): Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, honoured for playing a pivotal role in ensuring the success of COP28, hosted by the UAE.
• Saleemul Huq (2024, posthumous): Member of the COP28 Advisory Committee, recognized for his legacy in operationalizing climate finance through the Loss and Damage Fund.

Elevating UAE–US Relations to New Heights

The conferral of the First-Class Order of Zayed II to Ambassador Strong is more than just a personal accolade. It is a reflection of the deep-rooted and evolving relationship between the UAE and the United States. With over five decades of formal diplomatic relations, both nations have built a strategic partnership that spans security collaboration, advanced technological cooperation, space exploration, education exchange, and sustainable development.

Ambassador Strong’s leadership came at a time when both countries faced dynamic global challenges from pandemic recovery to regional security and climate change. Her contributions helped align the bilateral agenda with a shared vision for resilience, innovation, and multilateral cooperation.

Bridging Cultures, Advancing Shared Goals

One of Ambassador Strong’s most lauded efforts was in advancing cultural diplomacy. She worked closely with Emirati institutions to promote cultural exchange programs, academic partnerships, and innovation incubators that encouraged greater understanding between American and Emirati communities.

By reinforcing soft power ties alongside hard diplomacy, her mission aligned with the UAE’s broader commitment to intercultural dialogue, inclusion, and peace-building especially during its landmark Year of Tolerance and through initiatives such as the Abraham Accords.

UAE’s Strategic Vision and International Recognition

Through awards like the First-Class Order of Zayed II, the UAE reaffirms its unique role in the international arena as a nation that not only receives but also reciprocates global diplomatic goodwill. The UAE’s leadership, under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues to set an example in honouring those who contribute meaningfully to peace, progress, and prosperity.

This tradition of recognition is embedded within the UAE’s foreign policy priorities: strategic partnerships, multilateral diplomacy, climate leadership, and humanitarian outreach. By formally recognizing diplomats such as Martina Strong, the UAE reinforces a global narrative of collaboration and shared future-building.

A Milestone for UAE-US Diplomatic Legacy

Martina Strong’s tenure in the UAE concludes with a high note of appreciation and historical recognition. As she departs, she leaves behind a legacy of strengthened ties, visionary diplomacy, and expanded opportunities for bilateral cooperation between two like-minded nations.

Her award symbolizes the power of personal diplomacy and institutional partnership in shaping the trajectory of international relations. For the UAE, this recognition reaffirms its path as a bridge between cultures, a hub for peace, and a rising voice in global diplomacy.