According to the Foreign Office of Pakistan, this marks Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s first official visit to Pakistan since assuming office as UAE president. He had previously travelled to Pakistan on a private visit in January this year.

The Foreign Office said the UAE president will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which both leaders will review the full spectrum of bilateral relations. They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The visit is seen as an important opportunity to further strengthen the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. The Foreign Office stated that the visit reflects the depth of ties between the two countries and their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, energy, development and regional stability.

In view of the visit, a public holiday has been declared in Islamabad. The Pakistan Secretariat and all federal institutions within the capital will remain closed for the day.

The Senate Secretariat, the National Assembly Secretariat and courts in the federal capital will also remain closed. According to a notification issued by the Islamabad High Court registrar, the high court and Islamabad district courts will remain closed on December 26.

The registrar of the Federal Constitutional Court has also announced a public holiday, cancelling today’s cause list.

However, banks and essential services will continue to operate. Offices of the Capital Development Authority, police and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited will remain open.