United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday arrived in Pakistan on his first official visit to the country.

The Emirati president was received at the Nur Khan Airbase by Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir and other senior government members, including Deputy PM Ishaq Dar.

As President Al Nahyan’s aircraft entered the Pakistani airspace, it was escorted by a formation of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets. Upon landing, the national anthems of Pakistan and the UAE were played, a 21-gun salute was presented and an honour guard lined up to receive the visiting dignitary.

Military and traditional bands also performed during reception as children waved flags of both countries.

The Emirati president is accompanied by a delegation comprising his advisers Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, as well as UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi.

Several UAE federal ministers and senior officials are also part of the delegation.

According to the Foreign Office (FO), this marks President Al Nahyan’s first official visit to Pakistan as he previously visited the country on private trips.

During the visit, he is scheduled to meet PM Shehbaz and discuss bilateral cooperation to review ties across multiple sectors. The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual concern. 

The FO also said the visit offers an opportunity to deepen the longstanding fraternal relationship between Pakistan and the UAE.

Earlier, a public holiday was announced in Islamabad in view of the visit. An official notification said that the Islamabad High Court (IHC), district courts, as well as the Senate and National Assembly secretariats remained closed for the day. 

Banks and essential services, including the Capital Development Authority (CDA), police, Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, however, continued to function.

Separately, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz welcomed the UAE president’s visit, calling it a significant step in strengthening Pakistan-UAE relations. She said the visit is expected to further enhance cooperation between the two countries.