ISLAMABAD: United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrives in Pakistan on Friday for an official visit focusing on bilateral relations and regional security, the Pakistan foreign office said on Wednesday.

The visit marks Sheikh Mohamed’s first official trip to Pakistan since assuming the UAE presidency in 2022 and his second visit to the country this year.

Sheikh Mohamed became Ruler of Abu Dhabi on May 13, 2022, following the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and was elected President of the UAE a day later.

Sheikh Mohamed is widely regarded as a central architect of the country’s modern political, economic, and security policies.

He is the third son of the UAE’s founding president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Born in 1961, Sheikh Mohamed received military training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom, graduating in 1979.

He has held various roles in the UAE armed forces, including service in the elite Amiri Guard and as a pilot in the UAE Air Force, according to the UAE government’s official website.

In January 2005, he was appointed Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, a position in which he oversaw the development of the military’s strategic planning, training, and defense capabilities.

Before becoming president, Sheikh Mohamed held several key leadership roles in Abu Dhabi.

He was named Crown Prince in 2004 and chaired the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, overseeing major policy decisions.

He also played a leading role in economic diversification initiatives, including the establishment of Mubadala Development Company in 2002, now one of the UAE’s main state investment entities.

As chairman of the Tawazun Economic Council, he supported investments to strengthen domestic industries and reduce reliance on oil revenues.

He has also been a prominent advocate of humanitarian assistance, directing UAE aid through organizations such as the Emirates Red Crescent to countries affected by conflict and natural disasters.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he led efforts to expand medical assistance and vaccine distribution internationally.

He continues to prioritize investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and regional security to enable further progress and growth in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Mohamed is married to Her Highness Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan; they have four sons and five daughters and are blessed with numerous grandchildren.

His visit to Pakistan, followed by discussions, is expected to focus on expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, development, and regional stability, the Pakistan foreign office said.

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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan: Architect of Abu Dhabi’s security and growth