A number of indonesian diaspora and students welcomed president prabowo subianto's arrival in abu dhabi, united arab emirates, on wednesday after landing at the airport at 18:00 local time. They shook hands and chatted briefly with the president in the hotel lobby, including receiving a bouquet from two indonesian children in traditional attire.
President prabowo subianto arrived in abu dhabi on wednesday, february 25, 2026, as part of his state visit. A warm welcome was extended by the indonesian diaspora and local students at presidential flight airport and continued in the lobby of the hotel where the president is staying.
Among the welcomers were several cadets from universitas pertahanan (unhan) undertaking an exchange program at rabdan academy, such as sersan mayor dua kadet matematika alief syahnur almaida studying homeland security, and sersan mayor dua kadet teknik mesin carina alexandrea silaban.
President prabowo shook hands with the diaspora and students one by one and took time for a brief conversation. He also received a bouquet from two indonesian children wearing traditional attire at the hotel entrance.
Naufal ahmad sofyan, an s1 student at university of humanities and deputy general chairman of persatuan pelajar indonesia (ppi) in the united arab emirates, expressed his impressions. "The profound impression of welcoming mr. prabowo is being very happy and joyful. We were lucky to shake his hand, and it was very impressive for us, especially president prabowo, the greatest president," he said.
Naufal hopes this visit will strengthen bilateral ties between indonesia and the united arab emirates, particularly in economy and education. "Hopefully with the presence of mr. president, every year, it can further strengthen good relations, bilateral relations between the two countries which impact the economic and educational sectors," he added.
Alief syahnur almaida described the meeting as a valuable first experience. "This is my first experience, especially shaking hands directly with mr. president. Of course, this becomes a unique experience that will surely be memorable for me," he stated.
Carina alexandrea silaban shared a similar view, emphasizing the precious value of the direct interaction. President prabowo's visit to the united arab emirates follows his trip to jordan, where he met the king and conveyed ramadan greetings.