The high-level visit by Pakistan's Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, and his entourage comes at a time of mounting concern in Arabia at the prospect of a regional nuclear arms race.

But while the United Arab Emirates has called for a halt to nuclear testing following recent detonations by India and Pakistan, it has also voiced concern over what it calls double standards in the region.

Israel's 'nuclear capability'

Like most of the Arab world, the UAE strongly objects to Israel's alleged nuclear stockpile, to which it says the major powers are turning a blind eye.

Although few details have been announced of Mr Sharif's Gulf visit, officials say that India and Pakistan's nuclear tests are likely to top the agenda during his talks with UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin-Sultan al-Nahyan.

Regional analysts have suggested that the tests could prompt nearby Iran to acquire nuclear weapons - a suggestion which has been vigorously denied by Iran's foreign ministry.

Trade also on the agenda

Meanwhile the inclusion of Pakistan's minister of petroleum and natural resources, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, in Mr Sharif's party means that trade is likely to be discussed during his visit.

The UAE and Pakistan have a number of joint ventures, while remittances sent home by several hundred thousand Pakistani expatriates in the Gulf amount to hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

Most significantly, both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have reportedly promised not to disrupt their oil supplies to Pakistan following Islamabad's series of nuclear tests.