UAE president arrives in Pakistan on maiden official visit
United Arab Emirates President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is set to arrive in Islamabad today (Friday) on an official visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to the Foreign Office, this will be Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s first official visit to Pakistan since assuming office as UAE president. He had previously visited Pakistan on a private trip earlier this year.
The UAE president will be accompanied by a high-level delegation. During the visit, he is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and discussing regional and international issues of mutual interest.
The Foreign Office said the two leaders will review cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, development and regional stability. It added that the visit reflects the depth of the longstanding brotherly ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
“The visit of His Highness reflects the shared commitment of both sides to further enhancing collaboration in key areas,” the FO said in a statement, noting that the talks are expected to advance economic and strategic cooperation.
In view of the visit, the Islamabad administration has declared a public holiday in the federal capital. The Pakistan Secretariat and all federal institutions within Islamabad will remain closed for the day.
According to official notifications, the Senate Secretariat, National Assembly Secretariat, Islamabad High Court and district courts will also remain closed on December 26. The Registrar of the Federal Constitutional Court has likewise announced a public holiday, canceling the day’s cause list.
However, banks and essential services, including offices of the Capital Development Authority, police, and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, will continue to operate as usual.
The visit is seen as significant in reinforcing Pakistan-UAE relations, with expectations of further cooperation in economic development and regional peace initiatives.
