UAE President begins official Pakistan visit with ceremonial welcome in Islamabad
Guard of honour and national anthems presented to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
DUBAI/ISLAMABAD – President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Islamabad on Thursday on an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The visit shows the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries and reflects their continued engagement across political, economic and strategic spheres. It also follows a series of high-level exchanges aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
President of UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was presented Guard of Honour upon arrival at Noor Khan Airbase Rawalpindi. pic.twitter.com/n6Ri2lAjsn
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) December 26, 2025
The President was received at Nur Khan Airbase by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with a number of federal ministers and senior Pakistani officials. The formal reception marked the start of the official programme for the visit, which is being accorded full state honours.
Jet escort
As the aircraft carrying His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan entered Pakistani airspace, it was escorted by a formation of military jets in a gesture of welcome and respect. The escort continued until landing, reflecting the significance attached to the visit by Pakistani authorities.
The President of UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has arrived for the State visit to Islamabad, Pakistan.
— Armed Forces Update (@ArmedUpdat1947) December 26, 2025
His Presidential Aircraft was Escorted by JF-17 Thunders upon entering Pakistani Airspace.
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Upon arrival at Nur Khan Airbase, an official reception was held in honour of the UAE President. The national anthems of the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan were played, followed by a 21-gun salute. An honour guard was lined up to salute His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in keeping with established state protocol for visiting heads of state.
State ceremony
Military and traditional bands performed ceremonial pieces as part of the reception arrangements. Along the route, groups of children waving the national flags of both countries greeted His Highness, adding a visual expression of friendship between the UAE and Pakistan.
The ceremonial welcome highlighted the long-standing ties between the two nations, which have been built on close political coordination, people-to-people connections and sustained economic engagement over several decades.
UAE delegation
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; and Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan. The delegation also includes a number of ministers and senior UAE officials.