UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan conducted his first official visit to Pakistan on 26 December 2025, meeting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. The leaders held substantive talks to expand collaboration in trade, investment, energy and infrastructure, aiming to fortify longstanding fraternal bonds between the two nations.
The UAE president visit to Pakistan underscores the strategic importance of Gulf-South Asia relations, particularly as both countries seek to enhance economic stability amid regional challenges. Stronger UAE Pakistan bilateral relations could foster greater investment flows and remittances, benefiting Pakistan’s economy while promoting mutual growth in a volatile geopolitical landscape.
Pakistan UAE Talks Focus on Economic Growth
During the Pakistan UAE talks, the leaders reviewed bilateral ties and expressed satisfaction with their positive trajectory. Discussions centred on economic cooperation, investment opportunities, energy projects, infrastructure development, information technology, advanced technology and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed on the need to enhance bilateral trade, noting its potential for mutually beneficial expansion. The talks also covered regional and international developments of mutual interest, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to close coordination.
The UAE delegation included Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan; and other senior officials. On the Pakistani side, participants comprised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Pakistan Visit: Arrival and Ceremonies
The Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Pakistan visit began with a grand welcome at Nur Khan airbase in Islamabad. Upon entering Pakistani airspace, the UAE president’s aircraft was escorted by a formation of JF-17 fighter jets from the Pakistan Air Force.
At the airbase, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir received the UAE leader. A contingent of the armed forces presented a 21-gun salute, symbolising the deep respect and brotherly ties between the nations.
The Islamabad district administration declared 26 December 2025 a local public holiday within the Islamabad Capital Territory to mark the occasion, though essential services remained operational. This measure highlighted the significance of the UAE president visit to Pakistan for local residents and officials.
UAE Pakistan Bilateral Relations: Historical Context
UAE Pakistan bilateral relations date back to the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972. The UAE hosts a large Pakistani expatriate community, estimated at over 1.5 million, making it a key source of remittances for Pakistan. In 2024, remittances from the UAE to Pakistan exceeded USD 5 billion, supporting economic stability.
The two countries have collaborated on defence, energy and investment projects. In April 2025, multiple memoranda of understanding were signed during a visit by UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan. These included agreements on cultural cooperation, a joint committee for consular affairs and the formation of a UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council.
Earlier in 2025, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan in January, focusing on similar themes of economic partnership. The current UAE president visit to Pakistan builds on these interactions, aiming to translate discussions into concrete actions.
Trade between the two nations stood at USD 8.5 billion in 2024, with potential for growth in sectors like agriculture, textiles and technology. The UAE has provided financial aid and humanitarian assistance to Pakistan, including during natural disasters such as the 2022 floods, where Abu Dhabi contributed USD 100 million in relief.
Outcomes of the Pakistan UAE Talks
The Pakistan UAE talks resulted in a reaffirmation of the strategic partnership. Both leaders reiterated their determination to advance shared objectives of peace, stability and sustainable development.
While no new agreements were signed during this visit, the discussions laid groundwork for future collaborations. The Foreign Office stated that the visit would consolidate deep brotherly ties and contribute to strengthening the strategic partnership.
Officials from both sides expressed optimism about increasing investments. The UAE has invested in Pakistan’s ports, renewable energy and real estate sectors, with projects like the UAE-funded solar plants in Sindh province generating 300 MW of power.
Background
The UAE president visit to Pakistan occurs amid efforts to bolster economic recovery in South Asia. Pakistan faces challenges like inflation and energy shortages, while the UAE seeks diversified investments beyond oil. This alignment in interests has driven closer UAE Pakistan bilateral relations, with the UAE emerging as one of Pakistan’s top trading partners in the Gulf.
Previous high-level visits, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s trip to Abu Dhabi in February 2025 for the World Governments Summit, have maintained momentum in bilateral engagements. During that meeting, the leaders discussed enhancing economic cooperation, trade, investment and energy collaboration, appreciating the UAE’s support for Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
What’s Next
Future steps may include joint working groups to implement outcomes from the Pakistan UAE talks. Potential areas include finalising investment deals in infrastructure, with talks of UAE funding for Pakistan’s motorway expansions valued at AED 2 billion.
The Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Pakistan visit could pave the way for more frequent exchanges, possibly leading to a free trade agreement negotiation in 2026. Both nations plan to coordinate on regional issues, including Afghanistan’s stability and Middle East peace processes.
As the UAE president visit to Pakistan concludes, it signals a renewed phase in UAE Pakistan bilateral relations, promising enhanced cooperation for shared prosperity.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 27th, 2025
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