In a historic ceremony, the Israeli flag was hoisted and the Israeli national anthem hatikva was played at the Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace in the United Arab Emirates.

Israeli Ambassador to the UAE Amir Hayek said of the event: "The Israeli anthem is played for the first time at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. The Israeli flag is hoisted for the first time at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. How exciting. Historic!"