1.8m Pakistanis fuel UAE economy

August 22, 2025 (MLN): 1.8 million Pakistanis are actively contributing to the development of the UAE, while their remittances serve as a backbone of Pakistan's economy, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani highlighted during a high-profile farewell meeting with departing UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi.

Chairman Senate commended Ambassador Al-Zaabi's exceptional services during his tenure, crediting him with playing a pivotal role in strengthening fraternal Pakistan-UAE relations through close engagement with Pakistani leadership and citizens.

Gilani emphasized Pakistan's deep appreciation for its 50-year relationship with the UAE, describing the bond as one that has "withstood the test of time."

He paid tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding father, whose visionary leadership transformed the nation into a global hub for economy, trade, tourism, and technology.

The Chairman Senate particularly highlighted the UAE leadership's "constructive and effective role" during the Pakistan-India war of May 2025, terming it a "golden chapter in bilateral relations."

This diplomatic intervention demonstrates the strategic importance of UAE-Pakistan cooperation in regional peace initiatives.

Pakistan's leadership emphasized transforming existing ties into a comprehensive strategic and multifaceted economic partnership.

The focus remains on jointly tackling critical challenges, including poverty alleviation, food security, and climate change adaptation.

"Pakistan seeks to diversify trade cooperation and explore new investment avenues," Gilani stated, outlining the nation's commitment to expanding economic collaboration beyond traditional sectors.

In a significant diplomatic gesture, the Chairman Senate extended a formal invitation to the UAE parliamentary delegation for the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC) scheduled for November 2025.

The forum provides opportunities for mutual learning and experience sharing between parliamentary systems.

The farewell meeting highlighted strong cooperation between Pakistan and UAE in international and regional organizations.

The 1.8 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UAE continues serving as a bridge between the two nations, with their economic contributions supporting both the UAE's development objectives and Pakistan's economic stability through substantial remittance flows.

Ambassador Al-Zaabi's departure marks the end of a successful diplomatic chapter, with Pakistan expressing appreciation for his services while looking forward to the continued strengthening of Pakistan-UAE strategic relations.

Copyright Mettis Link News