Kamala Harris also sworn in as Vice President Ceremony took place amid heightened tensions and a massive security operation LONDON: Joe Biden has officially become the 46th president of the United States. Biden took the oath of office just before noon Wednesday during a ceremony at the US Capitol. The presidential oath was administered by US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Biden was sworn in using a Bible that has been in his family since 1893 and was used during his swearing-in as vice president in 2009 and 2013. History was made at Biden’s side, as Kamala Harris became the first woman to be vice president. The ceremony in which presidential power is transferred is a hallowed American democratic tradition. And this time it serves as a jarring reminder of the challenges Biden faces: The inauguration unfolds at a US Capitol battered by an insurrectionist siege just two weeks ago, encircled by security forces. It’s devoid of crowds because of the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. #LIVE: Rolling coverage from #Capitol in #WashingtonDC as @JoeBiden is inaugurated as the 46th President of the #US #Inauguration https://t.co/c6TYaJDG8R — Arab News (@arabnews) January 20, 2021 Follow live updates of the inauguration below (all times GMT): 21:25 - The UAE’s President Sheikh Khalifa congratulated Joe Biden and wished him success. Sheikh Khalifa said he hoped their two countries would deepen their decades-long partnership and work together on pressing challenges such as global health, climate change, and violent extremism. He said the UAE has worked closely with President Biden during his many years in the US Senate and as Vice President. 20:30 - President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden drove from Arlington Cemetery to the White House, where they stepped through the famous doors for the first time as America’s first couple. Vice President Harris wasn’t too far behind with her husband, the Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. 19:30 - After the ceremony in the Capitol, Biden and Harris are now attending a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington Ceremony before they head off to the White House. 19:00 - Following his official confirmation as President of the United States, Biden signs his first documents in his new position of power. 18:00 - World leaders have been sending, or tweeting, their congratulations to Biden and Harris following their swearing-in ceremonies. From UK prime minister Boris Johnson to Pope Francis to the EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, read more here. Watch Israel"s Netanyahu’s message below: 18:00 - World leaders have been sending, or tweeting, their congratulations to Biden and Harris following their swearing-in ceremonies. From UK prime minister Boris Johnson to Pope Francis to the EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, read more here. Watch Israel"s Netanyahu’s message below: 17:30 - There were some big names from the world of entertainment were also involved in the inauguration, with Lady Gaga performing the US anthem and Jennifer Lopez performing “This Land Is Your Land.”