Arrival in Abu Dhabi
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the United Arab Emirates for a day‑long official visit on June 12, 2025. He landed at Al Bateen Airport in Abu Dhabi and was officially received by His Highness Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s National Security Adviser and Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi . The high‑level welcome included a delegation from Pakistan and UAE dignitaries, underlining the ceremonial significance of the visit.
Context of the Visit
This visit follows a series of strategic diplomatic trips by PM Shehbaz earlier in the year including tours to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan, aimed at reinforcing Pakistan’s regional and economic ties. It also continues a pattern of deepening engagement between Islamabad and Abu Dhabi, with this being the prime minister’s second visit to the UAE in 2025, after attending the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February.
Leadership-Level Engagements
At Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, PM Shehbaz met with UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Topics included bilateral collaboration, regional stability, and global issues. The two leaders exchanged Eid al‑Adha greetings and visited mutual interests in economic and diplomatic affairs .
Key Focus Areas
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Both sides reiterated their commitment to “deep‑rooted fraternal ties” and pledged continued close coordination on various sectors, including economic, trade, and diaspora engagement .
Economic Collaboration and Investment
Discussions centered on enhancing economic cooperation. The UAE is recognized as Pakistan’s third‑largest trading partner and a significant source of investment and remittances. It recently agreed to a debt rollover and committed to invest in sectors aligned with Pakistan’s economic agenda, including agriculture, mining, infrastructure, and renewable energy .
Regional and Global Security
Acknowledging the UAE’s positive diplomatic role, PM Shehbaz thanked the leadership for their mediation efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Pakistan and India. Both leaders affirmed their dedication to regional peace, prosperity, and global stability.
Invitation for Reciprocal Visit
Shehbaz extended a formal invitation to Sheikh Mohamed to visit Pakistan, emphasizing reciprocal diplomacy and long‑term partnership commitments .
Delegation Composition
Prime Minister Shehbaz was accompanied by high‑profile officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi .
Significance for Pakistan‑UAE Relations
This visit reinforces longstanding ties dating back to Pakistan’s founding in 1971 . Pakistanis form a significant expatriate community in the UAE—over 1.5 million—who contribute to remittance inflows and bilateral cultural links . The UAE has previously financed infrastructure projects in Pakistan and pledged investment commitments, such as rolling over $2 billion in loans and exploring further capital infusion .
Economic and Strategic Implications
With Pakistan navigating an IMF program and seeking stabilization of its economy, the UAE’s financial support is critical. Previously, the UAE committed to $10 billion in investments, and reiterated in December 2024 to aid Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy projects . Continued engagement may give impetus to special investment mechanisms like the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), chaired by PM Shehbaz, to channel foreign direct investment through streamlined federal structures .
Return to Pakistan
Following the engagements, PM Shehbaz departed Abu Dhabi the same evening and returned to Islamabad on June 13, 2025. His departure was marked by formal goodbyes from Sheikh Tahnoun at Al Bateen Airport.
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