Al-Sadr’s visit to the UAE follows his earlier visit to Saudi Arabia, a first for the cleric after 11 years.

:: Influential Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has reportedly arrived in the United Arab Emirates on an official visit.

During his visit, al-Sadr is expected to meet with UAE officials to discuss regional developments as well as the latest efforts in the fight against ISIS on the ground.

Al-Sadr’s visit to the UAE follows his earlier visit to Saudi Arabia, a first for the cleric after 11 years.

Sadr, who enjoys a wide base support as leader of al-Sadr movement, comes from a prominent Shiite family and is the fourth son of a highly-respected Shiite cleric, the late Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Sadeq al-Sadr.

His last visit to the Gulf came in 2006.