WAM Berkshire, UK, Jun 18th, 2009 (WAM): Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was received as a guest of honour by HRH Queen Elizabeth II of England and Head of the Commonwealth during the opening ceremony of the Royal Ascot Festival in Berkshire today in the presence of an elite gathering of world’s renowned personalities, British officials, owners of race horses and seventy thousand spectators assembled at the racecourse.

Sheikh Mohammed occupied the traditional royal seat beside Queen Elizabeth II as the guard of honour started the drill lining up in the racecourse. They saluted the Queen and her guest, who received a warm welcome as an Arab and world personality with a great presence in the horserace festivals in Britain and other world countries.

Later Sheikh Mohammed and Queen Elizabeth II received the greetings from the spectators of the Britain’s major traditional international festival, which has secured the royal patronage since the last three hundred years.

Sheikh Mohammed then watched the first round of major races in the festival, in which horses from UAE and other world countries are participating.

Dubai Crown Prince HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and UAE Finance Minister HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the wife of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority HH Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, HRH Prince Charles of Wales and other members of the Britain’s royal family also attended the meeting and races.