Islamabad rolls out red carpet for al-Nahyan; Two countries discuss economic cooperation
COAS and CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir greets UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan upon his arrival at Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and DPM/FM Ishaq Dar look on. Photo: Express
ISLAMABAD:
President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan paid an official visit to Pakistan on Friday, marking his first visit to the country in his capacity as President of the UAE, as Islamabad continues to consolidate its strategic, economic and diplomatic engagement with key Gulf partners.
The visit, made at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, comes at a time when Pakistan’s relations with the Gulf States have witnessed renewed momentum, driven by expanded cooperation in defence, investment, energy and regional diplomacy.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed received a warm and ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Islamabad. In a rare show of honour, a formation of JF-17 fighter jets escorted the royal aircraft as it entered Pakistani airspace, underlining the close defense and security ties between the two countries.
At Nur Khan Air Base, the UAE President was received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir along with senior cabinet members and government officials.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed held substantive talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the visit.
The discussions focused on exchanging views on strengthening the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE.
The two leaders reviewed progress made in areas of ongoing cooperation and explored avenues to deepen engagement across a wide range of sectors.
Both sides stressed the importance of expanding collaboration in economic cooperation, investment, energy, infrastructure development, information technology, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
They also agreed on the need to improve bilateral trade, noting that it has significant potential for mutually beneficial growth.
In addition to bilateral issues, the leaders exchanged views on important regional and international developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to continue close coordination on issues of mutual interest.
While expressing satisfaction at the positive trajectory of bilateral relations, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed reiterated their determination to continue working closely together to promote the shared goals of peace, stability and sustainable development.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the visit would further consolidate the deep ties of brotherhood between Pakistan and the UAE and contribute to strengthening their strategic partnership.
The high-profile visit reflects a broader pattern of intensifying engagement between Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly over the past year. Yo
Islamabad has increasingly looked towards the Gulf not only as a traditional source of economic support and employment for Pakistani expatriates, but also as a strategic partner in defense cooperation, investment-led growth and regional stability.
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates share deep-rooted historical, cultural and people-to-people ties.
Millions of Pakistanis live and work in the Emirates, contributing significantly to the UAE economy, while remittances remain a vital pillar of Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings. Over the years, the UAE has also become one of Pakistan’s major trading partners and investors.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s visit comes amid renewed diplomatic momentum between Pakistan and major Gulf states.
In recent months, Pakistan has expanded its defense and security dialogue with regional partners, while actively seeking Gulf investments in infrastructure, energy and technology sectors as part of its broader economic stabilization and reform agenda.
Saudi Arabia, Pakistan’s long-standing strategic ally, has also stepped up its engagement, with both sides reaffirming defense and security cooperation and exploring new economic initiatives.
Analysts see these developments as part of Pakistan’s effort to recalibrate its regional diplomacy, diversify economic partnerships and strengthen ties with countries that play an influential role in regional and global affairs.
Officials familiar with the discussions say the emphasis on investment, energy and infrastructure reflects Pakistan’s priority of attracting long-term sustainable capital rather than short-term financial assistance.
The UAE has shown interest in sectors such as renewable energy, ports, logistics, information technology and agriculture, areas where Pakistan sees significant growth potential.
At the same time, defense and security cooperation remains a key pillar of Pakistan-UAE relations. Joint exercises, training exchanges and defense-related collaboration have continued over the years, supported by mutual trust and strategic alignment.
The exchange of views on regional and international developments during the meeting also highlights Pakistan and the UAE’s shared interest in stability in South Asia, the Middle East and the broader Muslim world. Both countries have traditionally closely coordinated regional crises and diplomatic initiatives in international forums.
For Islamabad, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed’s visit has both symbolic and substantive importance. It signals the continuity of the UAE’s engagement with Pakistan at the highest level and reinforces the message that bilateral relations remain insulated from regional volatility and global economic uncertainty.
The visit also reinforces Pakistan’s narrative of being a reliable strategic partner for the Gulf states, particularly at a time when the region is undergoing rapid economic transformation and geopolitical realignments.
As Pakistan seeks to stabilize its economy and reposition itself as a hub for trade, transit and investment, policymakers increasingly see closer ties with the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf partners as a cornerstone of its external engagement strategy.
The Prime Minister’s Office described the visit as a milestone that would further strengthen the brotherly relationship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE, a relationship that both sides appear set to deepen in the coming months.
