Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Malaysian King perform Friday prayers together

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Sultan Abdullah are led in prayer by Dr Farouq Hammada at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the King of Malaysia, Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, performed Friday prayers together at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The pair stood shoulder-to-shoulder for Friday, or Juma, prayers - which are deemed the most important of the week in Islam because it is believed Friday was chosen by God as a dedicated day of worship.

They were led in prayer by Dr Farouq Hamada, Islamic Consultant for the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi.

"A healthy society needs individuals to be physically, spiritually and mentally strong," Dr Hamada said. "A society founded on high values and enlightened thoughts is capable of building a civilisation,"

Sultan Abdullah arrived in the UAE on Thursday for his first visit to the country since being crowned Malaysia's 16th king in January this year.

He was received by Sheikh Mohamed at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where he was given an official reception ceremony.

The national anthem of Malaysia was played and a 21-gun salute was fired in Sultan Abdullah's honour.

The pair had a meeting to discuss ways of improving co-operation between their respective countries, including increasing investment and development opportunities.

They also shared views on the latest regional and international issues.

Sheikh Mohamed then held a lunch banquet in honour of the Malaysian king and his delegation.

Sultan Abdullah's visit came a day after Sheikh Mohamed returned to the UAE from a two-day official trip to Germany.

The King was seen off at the Presidential Terminal in Abu Dhabi later on Friday by Sheikh Mohamed, Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sultan bin Saeed Al Badi Al Dhaheri, Minister of Justice, and Khalid Ghanim Al Ghaith, UAE Ambassador to Kuala Lumpur.