Islamabad, December 26, 2025: Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday conducted “substantive talks” aimed at further strengthening their longstanding fraternal relations, following the conclusion of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s first official visit to Pakistan, according to a Foreign Office statement.
This marks the second visit by the Emirati president to Pakistan this year, having met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Rahim Yar Khan in January. However, Friday’s trip is his first official visit as UAE president.
During the discussions, the two leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to close coordination on issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on regional and international developments. They also reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and explored avenues to expand collaboration in economic cooperation, investment, energy, infrastructure development, IT, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
“The visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will further consolidate the deep brotherly ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates and contribute to further strengthening of their strategic partnership,” the FO said.
The leaders agreed on enhancing bilateral trade, noting its significant potential for mutually beneficial growth. They also reiterated their determination to work together toward peace, stability, and sustainable development.
Ceremonial reception
President Al Nahyan was warmly received upon arrival at Nur Khan Airbase in Islamabad by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The Emirati leader was honored with a 21-gun salute, an official reception, and a fighter jet formation escort as his aircraft entered Pakistani airspace.
Accompanying the president were UAE advisers Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Ambassador Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, ministers, and senior officials.
Public holiday declared
In observance of the visit, Islamabad authorities declared December 26 a local public holiday. Essential services including hospitals, police, city administration, and utilities remained operational.
Bilateral ties and MoUs
Pakistan and the UAE share deep diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, strengthened by a large Pakistani expatriate community in the Emirates. The UAE is a major trading partner and remittance source, while both countries cooperate on defense, energy, and investment projects.
Earlier in April, the two nations signed multiple memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to enhance bilateral cooperation. Two MoUs focused on cultural cooperation and the establishment of a joint consular committee, while a third created the UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council between their respective chambers of commerce.
The visit is widely seen as a significant step toward further consolidating strategic, economic, and cultural ties between Pakistan and the UAE.
