President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi landed in the Emirati capital Abu Dhabi on Tuesday at the beginning of a three-stop tour which will include India and Bahrain, state run television reported.
In the Emirates, Sisi's talks will focus on bi-lateral ties and reinforcing strategic cooperation, "in light of the region's challenges which require quick action to counter the dangers threatening Arab national security, especially given the widening circle of terrorism and extremism," state run news agency MENA said.
The oil-rich Gulf country has been one of Egypt's strongest supporters in the region and was quick to financially back the Egyptian state after president Mohamed Mursi, who hails from the Muslim Brotherhood, was unseated by the military in July 2013 following mass protests against his rule.
The United Arab Emirates and Egypt share similar political stances with both vocally opposed to the Muslim Brotherhood which they have classified as a "terrorist organisation".
Following the UAE, Sisi will make a stop in India where he will attend the third India-Africa summit running from Oct. 26-29. This is Sisi's maiden visit to the subcontinent to attend a gathering of 40 heads of state in what The Times of India has dubbed "the largest diplomatic outreach programme with Africa."
Sisi is due to hold talks with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as a number of officials and businessmen, focusing talks on "revitalising economic cooperation" between the two countries and reinforcing Indian investments in Egypt."
Egypt is trying to attract cash in-flows and foreign investment to repair an economy battered by years of political turmoil, which has taken a toll on the Egyptian pound.
The Egyptian president will conclude his tour with a visit to Bahrain where he is due to meet with Bahraini King Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa.
