UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to Make First Official Visit to Pakistan on Dec 26

Visit Aims to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation in Trade, Investment, and Regional Stability

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on December 26 for his first official visit as UAE president, according to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO).

This will be the Emirati leader’s second visit to Pakistan in 2025. Earlier this year, he met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan. However, the upcoming trip holds special significance as it marks his first formal state visit since assuming the presidency.

Officials say the visit reflects the depth of Pakistan-UAE relations and signals a renewed push to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.

High-Level Talks Planned with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif

According to the Foreign Office, President Al Nahyan will hold comprehensive talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his stay. The discussions will cover the entire spectrum of bilateral relations, including political, economic, and strategic cooperation.

Both leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. These discussions come at a time of evolving regional dynamics, making close diplomatic coordination increasingly important.

“The visit will provide an important opportunity to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates,” the FO said in its statement.

Focus on Trade, Investment, and Energy Cooperation

The Foreign Office emphasized that the visit demonstrates a shared commitment by both countries to deepen collaboration in key areas. These include:

• Trade and investment

• Energy cooperation

• Development initiatives

• Regional stability

Pakistan and the UAE have steadily expanded economic engagement in recent years. The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s most important trading partners and a major source of foreign investment.

The visit is expected to help unlock new opportunities for joint ventures and long-term economic partnerships.

Strong Pakistan-UAE Ties and Expatriate Links

Pakistan and the UAE share close diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations, rooted in decades of cooperation and mutual trust. A large Pakistani expatriate community lives and works in the UAE, contributing significantly to the Emirati economy.

The UAE is also a key source of remittances for Pakistan, supporting millions of families and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

Beyond economics, both countries collaborate closely in areas such as defence, infrastructure development, and humanitarian assistance.

Recent Agreements and MoUs Strengthening Cooperation

In April this year, Pakistan and the UAE signed and exchanged multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening people-to-people and institutional ties.

Two MoUs focused on cooperation in the field of culture and the establishment of a joint committee for consular affairs. Another key agreement was signed between the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

This agreement paved the way for the creation of the UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council, designed to promote trade and private-sector collaboration.

Why This Visit Matters

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s first official visit to Pakistan as UAE president carries symbolic and strategic importance. It highlights continuity in bilateral relations and reinforces both countries’ commitment to long-term cooperation.

Analysts believe the visit could lead to new agreements and stronger coordination on regional issues. It also sends a positive signal to investors and international partners about the stability and strength of Pakistan-UAE ties.

As Pakistan seeks economic recovery and foreign investment, the visit is expected to play a constructive role in advancing shared goals.