ISLAMABAD – Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, arrived in Islamabad on Friday for a day-long official visit to Pakistan.
Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed at the airport by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who were present to greet the esteemed guest.
In honor of the visit, a 21-gun salute was fired, and a well-drilled military contingent presented a guard of honor.
براہِ راست:متحدہ عرب امارات کے صدر عزت مآب محمد بن زائید النہیان کی نورخان ایئربیس راولپنڈی آمد https://t.co/Ic7pUbyvYK
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 26, 2025
The UAE President is accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, which includes ministers and senior government officials.
Warm Welcome to UAE President
In preparation for the visit, Islamabad has been beautifully decorated, with national flags, UAE flags, flowers, and colorful lights adorning the city.
A grand red carpet welcome was given to the esteemed guest while Pakistan Air Force’s JF-17 fighter jets saluted him in the skies as a mark of respect.
Pakistan Air Force rehearsed an aerial display over Islamabad for a ceremonial flypast to honor the visiting UAE President later this week.
— Hafsah Malik (@OGMuseDoree1) December 24, 2025
Prominent roads in Islamabad, such as Constitution Avenue, as well as important buildings like the Parliament House and President’s House, have been specially decorated for the occasion.
Banners and boards featuring Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed have been displayed throughout the city as part of the warm welcome.
Security Arrangements
Security arrangements for the visit are stringent, and heavy traffic has been restricted from entering the city from 6 am to 12:30 am.
To accommodate the official visit, the Pakistan Secretariat and all federal institutions are closed today, with a holiday announced for Islamabad’s High Court and District Courts.
However, banks, the Islamabad Metro Corporation, CDA, police, and other essential services are operational.
The visit is being described as a major milestone in Pakistan-UAE relations and reflects the longstanding, brotherly, and strategic ties between the two countries.
During his stay, President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is scheduled to hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior Pakistani officials. In view of the visit, the federal capital administration had earlier announced a public holiday in Islamabad.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, the UAE president is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials. The discussions will focus on further strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.
CM Maryam welcomes UAE president
Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on his visit to Pakistan, extending greetings on behalf of the people of Punjab.
In her statement, CM Maryam said that relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates are enduring, brotherly, and exemplary. She termed the UAE president’s first official visit to Pakistan as a matter of pride and warmly welcomed him to Pakistani soil.
She expressed confidence that President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit would further strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation between the two countries.
