The UAE rolled out the red carpet for Russian President Vladimir Putin during his landmark visit to the country on Tuesday. The presidential car “Aurus Senat” was escorted to Qasr al Watan in Abu Dhabi by cavalry mounted on Arab horses. (Click here for photos)

Putin and his accompanying delegation drove through the streets, which were displayed with the flags of the two countries. Overhead road signs display messages in Russian.

Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Putin and his accompanying delegation and expressed hope that the visit “will achieve the goals and objectives of strengthening ties between the UAE and Russia in many sectors in the interests of the two countries and their friendly peoples.”

“During my tour from the airport to the Presidential Palace, I was informed about the progress of the dynamic development of the UAE,” the Russian President said.