Chinese President Xi Jinping, his wife Peng Liyuan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum are seen on a reviewing stand in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, July 19, 2018 (XINHUA) 

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Abu Dhabi on July 19 for a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the first by a Chinese head of state in 29 years to the Arab state. 

Xi's plane was escorted by the UAE fighter jets when it entered the country's air space.

Upon their arrival, Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were warmly received by the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The UAE's vice president hosted a welcome ceremony for the Chinese president at the airport.

A 21-gun salute was fired while Xi and his wife Peng inspected the guard of honor. Xi held cordial talks with the vice president and the crown prince.

(Xinhua News Agency July 20, 2018)