The United Arab Emirates(UAE) has one of the richest climate of religious tolerance in the Middle East. The country has more than 200 nationalities and allows the existence of numerous faiths among which there is a significant proportion of Pakistani expatriates. Mosques, churches, temples and gurudwaras stand side by side in the country that demonstrates the all inclusive policies of UAE. The UAE has created bonds of partnerships rather than divisions with the international community.
The bond between United Arab Emirates and Pakistan has grown stronger each year following its establishment in December 1971. From friendly diplomatic relations five decades ago, the relationship between the two countries has matured into a solid strategic alliance. The UAE is now one of Pakistan vital trading partners, a well known supporter of humanitarianism, a technological collaborator for innovation and a true ally in development.
UAE Humanitarian Aid for Pakistan
The UAE has repeatedly stood by Pakistan during times of crisis.The UAE was among the first nations to extend help during the 2005 earthquake, 2010 floods and 2022 super floods. In 2022, over 70 aid flights carrying vital provisions reached flood hit regions of Pakistan such as food, tents and medical items. The Emirates Red Crescent and UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme have been instrumental in bringing back the quality of life of the victims. UAE PAP alone which was launched with $450 million in funding has completed more than 165 projects in Pakistan covering schools, hospitals, water supply systems and roads.
UAE and Pakistan Economic Relations
The UAE is among top trading partners of Pakistan and one of its largest sources of remittances.
As per the State Bank of Pakistan in FY 2024, Pakistan received a total of over $6.7 billion in remittances from the UAE with a workforce comprising over 1.6 million Pakistani expatriates.
Recently upon the visit of UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, five significant agreements were signed between both nations to increase cooperation in:
- Banking and Finance
- Railway Development
- Mining Sector
- Special Economic Zones
- Infrastructure Projects
UAE and Pakistan Shared Future of Scientific Development
UAE focus on science, technology and innovation offers opportunities for academic and research collaboration with Pakistan.
Pakistani universities recently have begun exploring partnerships with UAE institutions for joint research, faculty exchange, innovation in AI, health sciences and renewable energy.
Dr Ghulam Sarwar from Shah Latif University Khairpur recently became the recipient of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation in the Influential Figure category. United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan presented him the award in a grand award ceremony held at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
This achievement was followed with the signing of a new MoU between Pakistan and the UAE to increase agricultural cooperation between the two countries. The MoU is focused on the Organizing of Second Pakistan International Date Palm Festival 2025.
Key Pillars of UAE-Pakistan Partnership
| Sector | Key Achievements and Cooperation |
| Trade & Economy | UAE is one of the top trading partners of Pakistan. Bilateral trade and investment are growing steadily. |
| Remittances | Over 1.8 million Pakistanis work in the UAE. They sent $6.7 billion in remittances in 2024 supporting Pakistan economy. |
| Humanitarian Aid | UAE provided $450 million under the UAE Pakistan Assistance Program (UAE PAP) for post flood reconstruction and rehabilitation. |
| Infrastructure Projects | UAE PAP includes 165+ projects in education, health, roads, bridges and clean water in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and tribal areas. |
| Health & Relief | UAE set up field hospitals, ran vaccination campaigns and sent relief teams during natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. |
| Scientific Innovation | Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Markhand from Pakistan won UAE Khalifa International Award for agricultural research – the first Pakistani to achieve this honor. |
| Railway Sector | UAE and Pakistan signed deals worth $3 billion including a freight corridor from Karachi Port and development of economic zones. |
| Cultural & Diplomatic Ties | UAE Crown PrinceA recent visit to Pakistan led to the signing of 5 new agreements and a renewed commitment to cultural and economic cooperation. |
