On a pivotal one-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of economic and strategic cooperation, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier this week. The visit, although brief, carried considerable diplomatic weight and was marked by high-level meetings, strategic engagements, and participation in a major global forum.
The Prime Minister was invited by the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to attend the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai—a prominent international platform where global leaders, policymakers, and business executives gather annually to discuss governance innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to the UAE is of immense significance given the historical and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the Gulf nation. The UAE is not only one of Pakistan’s closest allies in the Middle East but also a major economic partner. With more than 1.6 million Pakistanis living and working in the UAE, the country is a vital source of remittances for Pakistan’s economy. Additionally, both countries share a long-standing relationship characterized by mutual respect, shared values, and increasing economic collaboration.
The visit came at a time when Pakistan is navigating multiple domestic and international challenges, ranging from economic instability to climate-related crises. Against this backdrop, the UAE visit was seen as an opportunity for Pakistan to attract foreign investment, secure stronger diplomatic ties, and explore new development partnerships.
Key Engagements and Meetings
During his stay, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a keynote address at the World Governments Summit. In his speech, he highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to good governance, inclusive economic growth, and digital innovation. He called for stronger global cooperation on issues such as poverty alleviation, climate resilience, and technology-driven public services.
The Prime Minister underscored his government’s commitment to introducing structural reforms, especially in the areas of taxation, energy, and governance. He also emphasized Pakistan’s efforts toward building a knowledge-based economy, enhancing its digital infrastructure, and empowering its youth.
Apart from his address at the summit, the Prime Minister held bilateral meetings with key members of the UAE leadership, including Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. During these meetings, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen their multifaceted relationship. Discussions focused on trade, investment, energy cooperation, and the Pakistani expatriate workforce in the UAE.
Economic and Investment Prospects
One of the core objectives of the visit was to attract investment into Pakistan’s struggling economy. Over recent months, Islamabad has intensified its outreach to Gulf countries in a bid to bring in much-needed foreign direct investment. The UAE has shown interest in several sectors in Pakistan, including energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and IT.
According to government sources, preliminary talks were held regarding potential investment packages under Pakistan’s newly launched Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which aims to streamline investment processes and offer a one-window operation to foreign investors.
The Prime Minister also met with CEOs and representatives of leading multinational corporations operating in the Gulf region. These engagements were aimed at building investor confidence and presenting Pakistan as a viable destination for long-term investment.
Diplomatic and Regional Implications
This visit also carried broader diplomatic implications. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s intention to maintain a balanced and constructive foreign policy, especially with its Middle Eastern partners. The Gulf region has increasingly become a battleground of economic and geopolitical influence, and Pakistan is keen to play a proactive yet neutral role in regional affairs.
For the UAE, hosting leaders like Prime Minister Sharif at global forums such as the WGS reinforces its own ambitions to serve as a global hub for diplomacy, innovation, and economic collaboration.
Looking Ahead
Although short in duration, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to the UAE was rich in substance. It not only reinforced the long-standing brotherly ties between Pakistan and the UAE but also set the tone for future economic and strategic cooperation.
In the months ahead, the outcomes of this visit will be closely watched—particularly in terms of investment flows, bilateral projects, and follow-up diplomatic engagements. For Pakistan, maintaining and deepening such international partnerships will be key to navigating its current challenges and moving toward a more stable and prosperous future.
Reference: وزیر اعظم ایک روزہ دورے پر یو اے ای روانہ
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