President Asif Ali Zardari’s four-day official visit to the UAE seeks to deepen trade and security cooperation amid growing economic partnerships.
President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Abu Dhabi on Monday, January 26, 2026, for a four-day official visit to the UAE. He was received by UAE Justice Minister Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi at Zayed International Airport. Accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the president held an initial meeting with the minister at the terminal to discuss mutual interests.
This president Zardari UAE visit highlights the strategic role of Pakistan-UAE relations in fostering economic growth across South Asia. With over 1.8 million Pakistanis residing in the UAE and contributing $5.5 billion in remittances annually, the partnership supports regional stability and development.
Zardari Abu Dhabi Arrival
Upon landing at Zayed International Airport, President Zardari received a warm welcome from senior UAE officials. The reception included standard protocol for high-level visits. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Shafqat Ali Khan, was present. The zardari abu dhabi arrival marked the start of engagements focused on strengthening ties.
The delegation proceeded to a brief discussion at the presidential flight terminal. Details of this exchange centred on preliminary aspects of the agenda. No specific outcomes were disclosed immediately.
Pakistan UAE Bilateral Ties in Focus
During the zardari visit uae, the president will hold high-level meetings with UAE leadership. These talks aim to review the full spectrum of pakistan uae bilateral ties. Key areas include trade, economic partnership, defence, security, and people-to-people connections.
Bilateral trade reached $10.1 billion in fiscal year 2024-25, reflecting a 20.24 per cent increase from the previous year. This growth underscores the economic momentum. Exports from Pakistan to the UAE include textiles, rice, and fruits, while imports comprise petroleum products and machinery.
Defence cooperation remains robust. Recent discussions have explored joint exercises and technology sharing. Security collaboration addresses shared concerns like counter-terrorism.
People-to-people ties thrive through the Pakistani diaspora. Over 1.8 million Pakistanis work in the UAE, sending home $5.5 billion in remittances in the current fiscal year. This flow supports Pakistan’s economy and family networks.
Regional and international issues will feature in talks. Both nations share views on Middle East stability and South Asian peace.
Background
Pakistan and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 1971. Both are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The UAE has invested over $10 billion in Pakistan over the past two decades.
Recent engagements set the stage for this president zardari uae visit. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Pakistan on December 26, 2025. He met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at Nur Khan airbase. Talks covered economic cooperation, investment, energy, and infrastructure. A 21-gun salute and JF-17 escort honoured the arrival.
On December 30, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz met the UAE president in Rahim Yar Khan. They pledged to elevate ties into a strategic economic partnership. Focus areas included IT, energy, minerals, and defence. The UAE expressed interest in renewable energy, ports, logistics, information technology, and agriculture.
On January 14, 2026, Pakistan and the UAE signed a pre-immigration clearance agreement. This allows Pakistani travellers to complete immigration in Pakistan before departure. It starts as a pilot in Karachi and aims to ease travel for the diaspora.
These steps reflect deepening pakistan uae bilateral ties. The UAE ranks as Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner. Investments target energy, ports, and technology.
Historical ties trace to mutual support in crises. The UAE provided aid during Pakistan’s floods and earthquakes. Pakistan has contributed manpower to UAE’s development projects.
Economic data shows UAE as a top source of foreign direct investment in Pakistan. Sectors include banking, telecommunications, and real estate. Bilateral agreements cover double taxation avoidance and investment protection.
Cultural exchanges promote understanding. Joint events celebrate shared Islamic heritage. Educational collaborations send Pakistani students to UAE universities.
Security pacts enhance coordination. Intelligence sharing and training programmes build capacity.
This zardari visit uae builds on these foundations. It aims to transform friendship into a rewarding partnership.
What’s Next
Future steps may include new agreements on trade facilitation. Potential areas cover renewable energy projects and digital economy initiatives.
Both sides commit to regular dialogues. Upcoming forums could address climate change and sustainable development.
The president zardari uae visit concludes on Thursday, January 29, 2026, with expected joint statements on progress.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 27th, 2026
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