President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed arrived on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday.

The visit was at the request of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

It is President Solih's second visit to the Gulf state since undertaking presidency.

The President is set to call on the Crown Prince and hold discussions with UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdulla bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to the President's Office.

Since January 1, 2019, Maldivians are granted a one-month visa upon entry into the UAE as per an agreement signed between the two countries. Diplomatic relations between the Islamic nations were established in 1978.

Identified as a key contributor to the development sector, President Solih and the UAE government agreed to formulate a 'Joint Cooperation Committee' to bolster bilateral relations.