Abu Dhabi (CNN) Pope Francis kicked off his historic visit to the United Arab Emirates on Monday, arriving at Abu Dhabi's lavish presidential palace in his trademark understated Kia Soul hatchback.

The small black car -- a notable choice in a kingdom known for its gold-plated lifestyle -- was flanked by cavalry as it wound its way toward the palace.

It's the first time a pontiff has visited the Gulf state and Francis was greeted with an artillery salute and aircraft trailing yellow and white smoke through the sky in honor of the Vatican flag.

Planes fly over the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

The Pope is on a three-day visit to the UAE capital, and on Monday afternoon gave his first public speech at a meeting with Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders at the city's Founder's Memorial center.

The Pontiff called on the world's religious leaders to reject war, mentioning the conflicts in Yemen, Syria, Iraq and Libya.

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