Islamabad, Pakistan – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, arrived in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Friday, December 26, 2025, on his first official visit as President of the State, amid a reception ceremony described as historic.
Reception ceremony: Pakistan’s skies and land welcome
From the moment the president’s plane entered Pakistani airspace, it was escorted by a formation of fighter jets in a gesture of high respect and appreciation. Upon his arrival at Nur Khan Air Base, he was received by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
The most prominent manifestations of hospitality
21 artillery shots: fired in salute to His Highness upon his arrival.
Honor Guard Review: The official military reception ceremony was held on the airport grounds.
Public holiday: The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration announced today, Friday, a local public holiday to celebrate the visit.
Visit agenda: Deepening the strategic partnership
The visit will last one day and is His Highness’s second to Pakistan this year (following an unofficial visit in January). According to the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, the two sides will discuss:
The full range of bilateral relations: focusing on the areas of trade, investment, energy, and development.
Regional issues: Exchanging views on stability in the region and international issues of common interest.
Joint Business Council: Activating previously signed memoranda of understanding to strengthen ties between the business sectors in the two countries.
The weight of economic relations
The visit underscores the depth of the ties between the two countries; the UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a vital source of remittances from the Pakistani community residing there. The two nations also collaborate on crucial projects encompassing defense, energy, and infrastructure.
His Highness the President is accompanied by a high-level delegation that includes the President’s advisors, Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, as well as ministers and senior officials, reflecting the great importance that Abu Dhabi attaches to strengthening cooperation with Islamabad.
