ABU DHABI, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is paying a state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), attended a grand welcome ceremony held here by the country's leadership on Friday.

Xi was received at the Presidential Palace 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.

The Chinese president 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 Thursday, the first by a Chinese head of state in 29 years to the Arab state.