ABU DHABI — President Xi Jinping, who is paying a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), attended a grand welcome ceremony held in Abu Dhabi by the country’s leadership.

Xi was received at the Presidential Palace on July 20 by Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

President Xi Jinping and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attend a grand welcome ceremony in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), July 20, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi was greeted by horse guards and a UAE Air Force aerobatic display team. A 21-gun salute was also fired when Xi arrived at the palace.

The national anthems of both countries were played and Xi, accompanied by the Crown Prince, reviewed a guard of honor.

Xi kicked off his state visit to the UAE on July 19, the first by a Chinese head of state in 29 years to the Arab state.