The Islamabad administration has announced in the federal capital on Friday, December 26, in the wake of the arrival of United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

According to a notification issued by the Islamabad district administration, a local holiday will be observed within the limits of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) on December 26.

The notification stated, however, federal government offices, including the Secretariat, as well as district institutions providing essential services, will remain open.

Subsequently, the Cabinet Division issued a clarificatory notification, stating that the federal government and its offices would remain open on December 26. It clarified that all federal government departments and attached institutions would operate as usual, federal employees would not be granted a holiday, and the Federal Secretariat would remain fully functional.

Earlier in the day, the Foreign Office announced the visit of the UAE president. In a statement, it said President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan would undertake his first official visit to Pakistan on December 26, 2025.

The visit is being undertaken at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The UAE president will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials.

During the visit, the UAE president will hold talks with the prime minister. The two leaders are expected to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.