Pakistan and the UAE share a deep and enduring bilateral relationship based on mutual respect, cultural ties and strong economic cooperation. Established soon after the founding of the UAE in 1971, this partnership has flourished in multiple fields, including trade, investment, defence and diplomacy.
The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a significant source of remittances, contributing to Pakistan’s economic stability.
Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Pakistan’s Special Envoy to the UAE. Image courtesy:
Moreover, the UAE has always lent its support to Pakistan in times of need through humanitarian aid, development projects, etc. Cultural and people-to-people ties further strengthen this bond, with the large Pakistani diaspora residing in the UAE playing a vital role in the country’s growth.
The two countries continue to cooperate closely on regional and international issues, reflecting a shared vision for peace and prosperity in the region. This enduring partnership underscores the strong ties and mutual interests that characterize Pakistan-UAE relations.
Pakistan’s envoy to the UAE, Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, sees the relationship only set to strengthen in the coming months and years. Speaking exclusively to Gulf News on the occasion of Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day today, the envoy said: “The strength of Pakistan-UAE bilateral ties continues to be evident in multifaceted fields including politics, economy, culture and defence, in addition to strong people-to-people ties.”
Frequent high-level exchanges between the leaders of the two countries reflect their determination to further strengthen the existing political and economic partnership. Bilateral trade volume is approximately $5.5 billion.”
Trade diversification
The ambassador said efforts are also underway to diversify the trade basket leading to increased trade and investment. This includes signing investment memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and establishing mechanisms to enhance business-to-business (B2B) connectivity between the business community and chambers of commerce. “Pakistan and the UAE signed seven MOUs in November 2023 aimed at enhancing investment cooperation in logistics, port operations, energy, mining, banking and finance, food and agriculture, and water and waste management sectors. Efforts are currently underway to translate these MOUs into concrete investment projects in Pakistan,” the ambassador revealed.
This year, the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry also signed an agreement with the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he added. Bilateral agreements between trade associations are also significantly promoted through official exchanges between the leaders of the two countries through regular official bilateral visits between Pakistan and the UAE. A similar visit took place in May this year, when Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
Official Visit
Commenting on the key takeaways from the official meeting between the two leaders, the Ambassador said: “This is the first visit of the Pakistani Prime Minister to the UAE since the new government was formed in Pakistan in February 2024. Their meeting provided an opportunity to review various aspects of bilateral relations and also identify ways and means to further strengthen economic ties. UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan assured the UAE’s support in all circumstances and pledged to invest $10 billion in Pakistan across several sectors.”
Continuing our commitment
According to the UAE Foreign Trade Report, the UAE has invested over $10 billion in Pakistan over the past two decades. In this regard, the new investment by the UAE in Pakistan is an important sign of strengthening ties between the two countries. “The $10 billion investment commitment is a testament to the strong and historic bilateral ties between Pakistan and the UAE,” the ambassador said. “This will help strengthen our economic partnership and serve the benefit of the people of both our countries.”
Apart from his official engagement with the Head of State, the Ambassador is equally busy with other aspects of his duties throughout the year. The Pakistan Embassy in the UAE plays a vital role in supporting Pakistani expatriates through active community outreach programmes, and these initiatives aim to address the needs and concerns of the Pakistani community. From providing assistance in areas such as legal assistance, labour rights and welfare services, the Ambassador has also taken the lead in ensuring that the Embassy regularly organises events, workshops and forums to engage with the community to ensure their voices are heard and their issues addressed.
By fostering strong ties with Pakistanis living abroad, the Embassy will not only provide essential support but also strengthen ties between Pakistan and the expatriate community in the UAE.
Community Outreach
“The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General in Dubai have taken steps to improve the delivery of consular services to the Pakistani community,” the ambassador said. “This includes providing facilities for renewal of national identity cards and passports, document attestation and guidance on legal matters. A dedicated helpline has been set up, operating 24/7. We have also renovated and expanded consular facilities for expatriates.”
Recognize contributions
As Pakistan celebrates its 77th Independence Day today, the Ambassador issued a personal message honouring the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE and their contribution in sustaining and significantly strengthening the bilateral ties between Pakistan and the UAE. He said: “I highly value the contribution of the Pakistani community in the development of the UAE and Pakistan. They are all ambassadors of Pakistan and I expect them to continue to abide by the rules, regulations and norms of the UAE society. There is a special bond between the governments and people of our two countries which must be passed on to the next generation.”