Islamabad: President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Islamabad on Friday on his first official visit to Pakistan as head of state, reaffirming the deep-rooted and multifaceted relationship between the two brotherly nations.
According to the UAE’s state news agency WAM, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was warmly received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Nur Khan Airbase, where a ceremonial welcome was held in his honour. As the presidential aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, it was escorted by a formation of military fighter jets, symbolising respect and goodwill.
An official reception followed upon arrival, during which the national anthems of the UAE and Pakistan were played, a 21-gun salute was presented, and an honour guard was mounted to salute the visiting leader.
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Adviser to the UAE President Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, along with ministers and senior officials.
In a statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said the UAE president will hold extensive talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral relations and exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
“The visit will provide an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates,” the statement said, adding that it reflects the depth of bilateral ties and the shared commitment of both countries to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, energy, development and regional stability.
This marks President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s second visit to Pakistan this year, following his meeting with Prime Minister Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan in January. However, Friday’s visit is his first official state visit since assuming the presidency.
In view of the visit, Islamabad’s district administration declared a local public holiday in the federal capital. Authorities confirmed that essential services, including hospitals, police, municipal administration, the Capital Development Authority and utilities, would remain fully operational.
Pakistan and the UAE enjoy close diplomatic, economic and cultural relations, underpinned by historical ties and a large Pakistani expatriate community living and working in the Emirates. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major source of remittances, while cooperation spans defence, energy, investment and development sectors.
Earlier this year, the two countries signed several memoranda of understanding aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties, cultural cooperation, consular coordination and business collaboration, including the establishment of a UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council.
The visit is widely seen as a significant step toward further consolidating strategic partnership and mutual prosperity between Islamabad and Abu Dhabi.