President Sheikh Mohamed met Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, in Abu Dhabi on Monday during a trip on which the British leader is hoping to strengthen trade ties in the Gulf. It follows Mr Starmer's visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where he was received by Yousif Alobaidli, director general of the mosque, who showed him around the site.

Mr Starmer arrived in the UAE on Sunday. He will travel to Saudi Arabia later on Monday for discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

No 10 hopes the visit will help consolidate partnerships focused on “driving high-quality growth”, with UAE investment in the UK valued at £23 billion ($28 million). British trade with Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is thought to be worth £17 billion.

"Driving long-term growth at home requires us to strengthen partnerships abroad," Mr Starmer said. “That is why I am travelling to the Gulf this week, to build a network of partners for the UK that is focused on driving high-quality growth, boosting opportunities and delivering for the people at home.”

Mr Starmer and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim last week agreed on a long-term green energy partnership, pledged to deepen defence and security ties and discussed the importance of regional stability. The UK Prime Minister is also expected to travel to Cyprus, where he will meet President Nikos Christodoulides in the capital Nicosia on Tuesday, before meeting British troops on the Mediterranean island who are deployed over Christmas.