Sheik Mohamed Bin Zayed’s social media video trying to stop and shaking Sultan Haitham’s hand raised questions.
Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq al-Sadaid met in the Royal Palace on Sunday to express his deeper condolences at the death of Late Sultan Qaboos. His Highness Sheik Mohamed Bin Zayed Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Supreme Deputy Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
When Sheikh Mohamed was about to leave, Sultan Haitham refused to shake his hand. That’s when he was pulled by Sheikh Mohamed and forced him to shake his hand.
The Gulf region is steeped in tradition. And there’s one thing those haters don’t know: Omani custom implies that the host honouring his guest puts his hand back as a sign that he refuses to shake his hand until he sees him to the door.
It was with sheik Mohamed Bin Zayed that Sultan Haitham retired on Sunday after a visit.
Sheik Mohamed declined the gracious gesture of the Sultan to leave behind his other guests and join him. He wanted to go with his delegation on their own, and the Sheik Mohamed asked Sultan Haitham to be with his other guests.
Numerous world leaders and heads of state descended upon Muscat, Oman’s capital, on Sunday, following the death of the well-respected Sultan Qaboos on Friday night.
