Islamabad, Friday, December 26, 2025 – Mohamed bin Zayed Pakistan visit commenced on Friday when UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan landed in Islamabad for his inaugural official trip to Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed him at Nur Khan airbase alongside senior officials. Pakistan Air Force fighter jets escorted the UAE aircraft as it entered national airspace.
The visit underscores the longstanding fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE and aims to elevate bilateral ties across multiple sectors.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s Islamabad Arrival Sets Positive Tone
The arrival of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Islamabad featured a formal reception. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar joined Prime Minister Sharif at the airbase.
The UAE delegation includes key ministers and business leaders. Scheduled talks cover trade enhancement, investment inflows, energy security, and regional developments.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the visit of Mohamed bin Zayed to Pakistan as a milestone. It provides a platform for advancing mutually beneficial initiatives.
Meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and one-on-one discussions with Prime Minister Sharif dominate the agenda. Officials anticipate concrete outcomes.
Islamabad streets display the flags of the UAE and Pakistan. Billboards welcome the distinguished guest, reflecting public enthusiasm.
Background: Deep-Rooted Pakistan-UAE Bilateral Ties
Pakistan’s bilateral ties with the UAE date back to the UAE’s founding in 1971. Pakistan recognised the federation immediately and established full diplomatic relations with it.
Shared faith, culture, and history bind the nations. Over 1.7 million Pakistani expatriates reside in the UAE, forming a vital human bridge between the two countries.
The UAE consistently ranks among Pakistan’s largest trading partners. Bilateral trade exceeds USD 10 billion annually.
Remittances from UAE-based Pakistanis exceed USD 5 billion annually. These funds significantly support Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.
High-level exchanges occur frequently. Prime Minister Sharif visited Abu Dhabi several times in 2025 alone.
In January 2025, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed hosted Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan during a private hunting trip. That interaction built personal rapport.
The UAE extended critical financial assistance during Pakistan’s economic challenges. Deposits worth USD 2 billion were rolled over multiple times.
Infrastructure support includes UAE investments in motorways and airports. Collaboration extends to education and healthcare projects.
Defence ties remain strong. Joint military exercises and training exchanges continue to be conducted regularly.
Pakistan supplies a skilled workforce across various sectors in the UAE. From construction to services, Pakistanis make substantial contributions to the UAE’s development.
Recent agreements target renewable energy and technology transfer. Both sides explore opportunities in artificial intelligence and the digital economy.
Economic Dimensions of the Mohamed bin Zayed Pakistan Visit
The Mohamed bin Zayed visit to Pakistan places heavy emphasis on investment. Pakistan showcases opportunities in special economic zones under CPEC.
Priority sectors include mining, agriculture, information technology, and logistics. UAE sovereign funds express interest in large-scale projects.
Gwadar Port features in discussions. UAE entities seek to play a role in terminal operations and connectivity.
Energy cooperation gains focus. Pakistan offers refinery upgrades and LNG import facilities.
The visit aligns with Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its exports. Leaders target balanced trade growth.
Business forums accompany the state visit. Pakistani and UAE entrepreneurs engage directly.
Investment pledges from prior engagements materialise gradually. New commitments expected during current talks.
Pakistan-UAE bilateral ties evolve into a comprehensive economic partnership. Mutual benefits drive momentum.
Strategic and Regional Aspects in Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Islamabad Engagements
Discussions encompass regional stability. Both countries share an interest in a peaceful Middle East and South Asia.
Pakistan appreciates the UAE’s balanced diplomacy. The Emirates maintains relations across divides.
Views converge on counter-terrorism strategies. Intelligence cooperation supports national security.
Afghanistan’s situation receives attention. Stabilisation efforts require coordinated approaches.
Gulf security impacts energy routes vital for Pakistan. Shared maritime interests promote collaboration.
The Mohamed bin Zayed visit to Pakistan reinforces multilateral coordination. Both nations are active in Islamic forums.
Cultural and people-to-people contacts strengthen ties. Scholarship programmes and tourism initiatives expand.
What’s Next for Pakistan-UAE Bilateral Ties
The visit concludes with joint statements and the signing of agreements. Memoranda in trade facilitation and investment protection anticipated.
Follow-up mechanisms ensure implementation. Joint working groups activate immediately.
Business delegations plan reciprocal visits in early 2026. Sector-specific roadshows organised.
Aviation links expand with new routes. Direct flights boost tourism and commerce.
Labour welfare agreements address expatriate concerns. Streamlined processes benefit workers.
Enhanced cooperation in renewables targets climate goals. Solar and wind projects gain traction.
Pakistan-UAE bilateral ties enter a new phase of intensity. Strategic alignment complements economic synergy.
The Mohamed bin Zayed visit to Pakistan marks a turning point. It positions partnership for sustained growth amid global changes.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 26th, 2025
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