Pakistan is hosting the president of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, today on a one-day official visit marked by ceremonial honours and high-level diplomatic engagements.
The visit is being viewed as a significant milestone in strengthening Pak-UAE relations across multiple fronts.
Upon arriving in Islamabad, the UAE president was welcomed at Nur Khan Airbase by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other federal ministers and senior government officials. The federal ministers present included Ahsan Iqbal, Mohsin Naqvi, Khawaja Asif, Muhammad Aurangzeb and Abdul Aleem Khan.
An official reception was held upon his arrival, featuring the playing of the national anthems of both countries, a 21-gun salute, and a guard of honour by a military contingent. Military and traditional bands performed ceremonial displays, while children holding the flags of Pakistan and the UAE lined the route to greet the visiting leader. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif introduced his cabinet members to the distinguished guest.
The accompanying delegation includes advisers to the UAE president Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan; Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, the UAE ambassador to Pakistan; along with several ministers and senior officials.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. This marks his first visit to Pakistan since assuming office as president of the United Arab Emirates. He is likely to be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior UAE officials, underscoring the importance both sides attach to the visit.
Grand welcome, public holiday
The federal capital has declared a public holiday in honour of the distinguished guest. Major highways, intersections, and key routes across Islamabad have been beautifully decorated with Pak-UAE flags, portraits of leaders, and special lighting arrangements.
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Roads across the city have been illuminated with electric lights, creating a festive atmosphere to welcome a long-time and trusted friend of Pakistan.
Aerial salute, security escort
Upon entering Pakistani airspace, the UAE president’s aircraft was escorted by JF-17 Thunder fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force. The jets presented a ceremonial aerial salute while also formed a security fence for the visiting delegation.
This symbolic gesture reflects the warmth of bilateral relations and Pakistan’s respect for the UAE leadership.
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During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the president of Pakistan. Delegation-level talks will also be held, focusing on a comprehensive review of overall bilateral relations.
These engagements aim to further enhance cooperation and mutual understanding between the two brotherly nations.
Investment, trade, strategic partnership
A key focus of the discussions will be investment opportunities in Pakistan, along with the promotion of bilateral trade. Both sides will also hold detailed consultations on strengthening the strategic partnership, particularly in the Gulf region.
Energy cooperation, development initiatives, and long-term economic collaboration are expected to feature prominently in the talks.
In addition to bilateral matters, leaders from both sides will exchange views on pressing regional and global issues. The discussions will include regional stability and shared challenges facing the wider international community.
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the visit will help explore new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, energy, development, and regional peace.
New chapter in Pak-UAE relations
Officials have termed the visit an important milestone in taking Pakistan-UAE relations to new heights. The presence of the UAE’s highest leadership in Islamabad reflects the depth of trust and long-standing brotherly ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
The visit is expected to yield positive outcomes and open new opportunities for cooperation in multiple sectors.
