Pak-UAE relations: Decades long people-centric friendship and strong bonds of unity

Since its formation in December, 1971, the bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan are acquiring new dimensions at all political economic and social levels emerging into trust-worthy strategic partnership.

UAE is one of the largest investors in the country but bilateral trade has been steadily growing over the years and people-to-people contacts are constantly on the increase. The UAE has been famous among all comity of the world due to its generous humanitarian assistance, stability, tolerance, innovation, vision for better health and education.

Infinite bonds

The founder of UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was keen to give an impetus to the bilateral relations between the two countries from the very beginning. It was further strengthened and patronized by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Around 1.8 million Pakistani expatriates are working in UAE .They sent $ 5.5 billion being the highest remittances in the current fiscal year which contributed significantly in the macro-economy of Pakistan.

The UAE Pakistan Assistance Program was launched in January 2011 at a total cost of US$450 million for the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by devastating floods and natural calamities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Bajaur and South Waziristan districts of the tribal belt to provide better life to the people by creating jobs.

UAE and Friends of Democratic Pakistan

UAE played an important role in the formation of Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP).

Initially, UAE hosted many meetings (ministerial & public-private conferences) of FoDP and tried its best to highlight the aim, importance and utility of this forum to the world at large and for the socio-economic development of Pakistan.

Time and again, UAE government reaffirmed its support to Pakistan to help overcome its macro-economic difficulties; its financial deposit of $2 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan is the best evidence of this commitment.

Investment in Pakistan by UAE

The United Arab Emirates is one of the largest countries in terms of investment in Pakistan and in terms of trade in the Middle East and Africa.

The UAE Foreign Trade Report showed that the public and private sectors invested more than $10 billion in Pakistan during the past two decades.

The United Arab Emirates has invested in the sectors of communications, services, tourism, information technology, oil and gas, housing, banking and real estate in Pakistan and has branches of its giant companies such as Etihad Airways, Emirates, Emaar, Dubai Islamic Bank and others, and this has had a positive impact in the eyes of the Pakistani people.

In addition, Pakistan imports crude oil, gold, and machinery from the country and others, while the UAE imports petroleum products, textiles, rice, leather, fruits, vegetables, sports equipment, construction...etc