ISLAMABAD: President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Islamabad on Friday on an official state visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation for wide-ranging bilateral engagements with the Pakistani leadership.
The visit is being hailed as a significant milestone in strengthening Pakistan–UAE relations across political, economic and strategic domains. Upon arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was warmly received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other senior civil and military officials.
Grand welcome, public holiday
In honour of the UAE president, a public holiday was declared in the federal capital. Major highways, intersections and key routes across Islamabad were adorned with Pakistani and UAE flags, portraits of the two leaders and elaborate lighting arrangements. Roads and public spaces were illuminated, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere to greet a close and trusted friend of Pakistan.
Aerial salute, security escort
As the UAE president’s aircraft entered Pakistani airspace, it was escorted by JF-17 Thunder fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force. The jets provided a ceremonial aerial salute and a security escort, symbolising the warmth of bilateral ties and Pakistan’s respect for the UAE leadership.
During his visit, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed will hold meetings with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the President of Pakistan. Delegation-level talks are also scheduled, aimed at a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and at further enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding between the two brotherly nations.
Pakistan and the UAE share long-standing, close and friendly relations rooted in mutual trust, shared values and cooperation across diverse sectors, including trade, investment, energy and defence. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s most important economic and strategic partners.
This is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s first official state visit to Pakistan since assuming the presidency of the UAE. The visit is intended to reaffirm the historic and brotherly ties between the two countries while exploring new avenues for economic, strategic and cultural collaboration.
High-level talks between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are expected to cover the full spectrum of bilateral relations, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest. Key areas of focus are likely to include expanding trade and investment, energy cooperation, and promoting regional stability.
The UAE and Pakistan enjoy deep diplomatic, economic and cultural linkages, strengthened by historical connections and a large Pakistani expatriate community in the Emirates. The UAE is among Pakistan’s major trading partners, a leading source of remittances, and an active contributor to infrastructure and development projects across the country.
Key areas of focus
The discussions during the visit are expected to cover several priority areas:
Economic and Trade Cooperation: Exploration of joint ventures and investments in energy, infrastructure, technology, agriculture and industrial sectors, along with expanded cooperation in railways, aviation and information technology.
Investment Initiatives: Fresh investment commitments are anticipated to support Pakistan’s industrial growth, job creation and economic stability.
Energy and Development Partnerships: Potential collaboration in renewable energy and UAE participation in strategic projects, including Gwadar and CPEC-linked initiatives.
Defence and Security Cooperation: Strengthening strategic ties through defence collaboration, joint exercises, intelligence-sharing and broader security partnerships.
Humanitarian and Cultural Ties: Enhancing people-to-people contacts, educational and cultural exchanges, and ensuring the welfare of the Pakistani community in the UAE.
Regional and Global Issues: Exchange of views on developments in the Middle East and South Asia, with an emphasis on regional peace, stability and international cooperation.
The visit also underscores the strong people-to-people and cultural bonds between the two countries. Earlier this year, several memoranda of understanding were signed to deepen cooperation in cultural exchange, consular affairs and joint business initiatives, including through the UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Pakistan today.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed him, accompanied by senior officials.
His aircraft was escorted and honored with an aerial salute by Pakistan Air Force fighter jets.
Welcome 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/OerLDIBV9L
— Mohsin Ali (@Mohsin_o2) December 26, 2025
Likely outcomes and significance
Analysts believe the visit could result in concrete agreements, including trade deals, investment commitments and cooperation in key strategic sectors. The visit highlights the UAE’s continued role as a vital economic and strategic partner for Pakistan, particularly at a time when Islamabad is focused on economic recovery and attracting foreign investment.
Beyond economic outcomes, the visit carries strong symbolic value, reflecting the depth of trust and diplomatic alignment between the two nations. Observers note that it is expected to further strengthen political, economic and strategic cooperation, reinforcing Pakistan–UAE relations in a rapidly evolving regional environment.
With robust bilateral foundations and shared strategic interests, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s state visit is widely expected to open new chapters of cooperation and partnership, paving the way for sustained economic growth and long-term collaboration between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
