Pope Francis arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, the first visit by a Pontiff to the Arabian Peninsula.
Ahead of landing in Abu Dhabi, the Pope said that he would be visiting the UAE as a brother.
In a tweet, the Pontiff said: "I am about to leave for the United Arab Emirates. I am visiting that country as a brother, in order to write a page of dialogue together, and to travel paths of peace together. Pray for me!"
On his arrival, he was greeted by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
A young boy and girl in traditional Emirati dress handed the pontiff flowers. The Pope and Crown Prince then walked past an honor guard.
Pope Francis also met a host of Cabinet ministers in a greeting line, as well as local Catholic and Muslim officials.
The Pope’s visit, which lasts till Tuesday, is taking place early in the UAE’s Year of Tolerance, which has been designated as the theme of the year by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Emirates News Agency reported.
His visit coincides with one by the Grand Imam of Egypt’s Al Azhar, Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb, it said.
The timing of the two visits underlines the UAE’s position as a global capital for the promotion of tolerance and humanitarianism, the state-run news agency added.
