Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi has said Pakistan-UAE relations remain strong, brotherly, and rooted in trust and resilience. He made the remarks during the weekly press briefing in Islamabad, reflecting on the long-standing diplomatic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Andrabi said the relationship continues to grow across political, economic, and social fronts. He underlined the consistent support both countries have extended to one another over decades and described the partnership as one of Pakistan’s most important regional engagements. He told reporters that high-level engagement between Islamabad and Abu Dhabi has remained active throughout the year. He referenced ongoing cooperation in trade, investment, and security, and said both governments have agreed to continue building on existing frameworks.
The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners. Bilateral trade has crossed 10 billion dollars in recent years, with key exports from Pakistan including rice, textiles, meat, and fruits. Pakistani officials have said work is underway to expand the trade basket further, with new agreements covering agriculture, IT services, and logistics.
The spokesperson also noted that Emirati investment in Pakistan has continued, with commitments in sectors including ports, energy, and infrastructure. Earlier this year, the two countries signed agreements covering investments worth several billion dollars across multiple industries.
Andrabi pointed to the role of the Pakistani community in the UAE as a defining feature of the relationship. Over 1.7 million Pakistanis live and work in the UAE, making up one of the largest expatriate groups in the country. Remittances from this community form a major part of Pakistan’s foreign exchange inflows.
He said the welfare of overseas Pakistanis remains a top priority for the Foreign Office and that consular services in the UAE continue to be strengthened. The Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai handle thousands of cases each month related to documentation, labour disputes, and welfare matters.
Andrabi also referenced regular high-level visits between the two countries. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have held multiple meetings over the past year. These engagements have produced specific outcomes including financial support, investment pledges, and trade facilitation measures.
The spokesperson reiterated that the UAE has supported Pakistan during periods of economic pressure, including through deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan that have helped stabilise foreign exchange reserves. Pakistani officials have publicly thanked the UAE leadership for this support on multiple occasions.
Andrabi added that both countries continue to coordinate on regional matters. Pakistan and the UAE have engaged on issues including the situation in Gaza, regional security, and economic cooperation within the Gulf framework.
The Foreign Office also confirmed that cultural and educational exchanges remain active, with Pakistani schools and institutions operating across the UAE, alongside ongoing cooperation in sports, arts, and media. Andrabi concluded by saying the leadership of both countries remains committed to deepening the partnership further. He said the Foreign Office will continue working to strengthen all dimensions of the relationship, including trade, investment, security, and community welfare.
