President Asif Ali Zardari received the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and talked about the enhancement of relations between Pakistan and the UAE. The discussion was aimed at increasing the collaboration between the two nations in terms of trade, economy and investment.
The meeting was held in Zabeel Palace in Dubai, in which the two leaders discussed the ideas of creating partnerships that would be beneficial in growth and development on both sides on a long-term basis.
The Trade and Economic Cooperation
The President Secretariat suggested that more business connections and more investment by the UAE into Pakistan is necessary as noted by the meeting. Cooperation in key areas like infrastructure, logistics, food security and technology-driven industries were the main areas of discussion among both sides.
President Zardari informs the UAE leadership about the current economic reforms in Pakistan, such as facilitation of investments and privatization, to be done to ensure that Pakistan becomes a more attractive destination by foreign investors.
Learning from Dubai’s Development Experience
The two leaders during the talks addressed the need to reap the rewards of the successful model of development of Dubai. Particular emphasis was placed on ports or transport, logistics, information technology and digital financial services.
President Zardari congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on his 20 years of ruling Dubai and commended the city on the way it has transformed to be a world tourist, financial, and other emerging technologies destination.
🇵🇰 🇦🇪 President Asif Ali Zardari met H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum @HHShkMohd at Zabeel Palace, Dubai. The meeting focused on strengthening Pakistan–UAE ties, particularly in trade, investment, logistics, infrastructure and technology. pic.twitter.com/upvDy3NY8f
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) January 28, 2026
Pakistan and UAE to Strengthen Strategic Ties
The two leaders renewed their commitment towards enhancing the brotherly relations between the UAE and Pakistan. They have stated that they were proud of the positive development of bilateral relations and they were ready to exchange on the high level.
They also remembered how the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had recently visited Pakistan and valued the fact that the UAE has remained a supporter of the economic development of Pakistan.
Invitation to Visit Pakistan
President Zardari has officially invited Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to Pakistan. The invitation will also help strengthen the cooperation and find new horizons in the spheres of trade, investments and development projects.
The two sides admitted that increased coordination would contribute to opening more opportunities of business and partnership to investors in both countries.
Pakistani Community Role in UAE
The leaders also emphasized the good contribution of the Pakistani people residing in the UAE. Their role in the business, services, and development enhances the people-to-people relationships between Pakistan and the UAE.
The meeting also involved some other prominent figures who included First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, the chairman of the PPP Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and the Pakistani Ambassador to the UAE.
President Zardari is on an official trip to the UAE and thus will spend four days where he will be meeting with the leadership to improve bilateral cooperation and to promote economic partnerships.
