On December 26, 2025, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, undertook his first official visit to Pakistan as head of state. This one-day trip, extended at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, featured in-depth discussions on enhancing economic cooperation, trade, investment, energy, technology, and regional stability, further solidifying the deep fraternal bonds between the two nations.
Key Highlights
- First official visit by Sheikh Mohamed as UAE President, marking a historic moment.
- Grand ceremonial welcome with PAF JF-17 Thunder escort, 21-gun salute, and guard of honour.
- Substantive talks focused on bilateral ties, with no new agreements signed but reinforcement of existing partnerships.
- Emphasis on economic growth, investments, and shared commitment to peace and development.
Grand Arrival and Ceremonial Welcome
Sheikh Mohamed’s aircraft was majestically escorted by six Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder Block-III fighter jets upon entering Pakistani airspace, a symbolic gesture highlighting strong defence ties and mutual respect.
Upon landing at Nur Khan Airbase in Rawalpindi, the UAE President received a full state honours welcome. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally greeted him, joined by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and senior officials.
The ceremony featured:
- National anthems of both countries.
- A 21-gun salute.
- Inspection of a guard of honour by contingents of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
- Children waving UAE and Pakistan flags along the route.
Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including advisers Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Mohammed Al Zaabi, ministers, and senior officials.
In-Depth Bilateral Talks
In Islamabad, the leaders held one-on-one and delegation-level meetings, expressing satisfaction with the positive momentum in relations. Discussions covered:
- Expanding trade and investment opportunities.
- Cooperation in energy, infrastructure, technology, and development.
- Strengthening people-to-people contacts and cultural ties.
- Coordination on regional stability and global issues.
Prime Minister Sharif described the visit as infusing “warmth and festivities” ahead of the New Year, praising the UAE’s steadfast support. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to sustainable development and prosperity.
No new agreements were signed, but the talks built on prior frameworks, including April 2025 MoUs on culture, consular affairs, and a joint business council.
| Cooperation Area | Current Highlights | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Trade & Investment | UAE among Pakistan’s top partners; growing bilateral trade | Increased UAE investments in energy, tech, and infrastructure |
| Defence & Security | Joint exercises, training; JF-17 escort symbolises ties | Enhanced coordination and technology sharing |
| Energy & Infrastructure | Ongoing projects with UAE support | Opportunities in renewables and development initiatives |
| People-to-People Ties | ~1.7-1.9 million Pakistanis in UAE; significant remittances | Expanded cultural, educational, and consular exchanges |
| Regional Stability | Shared views on peace and development | Closer alignment on global and regional challenges |
Deep-Rooted Historical and Economic Ties
Pakistan-UAE relations are anchored in shared history, faith, and culture. The Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, numbering 1.7-1.9 million, contributes immensely through labour and remittances.
Milestones include:
- Robust defence collaboration with joint drills and training.
- UAE’s humanitarian and financial aid during Pakistan’s crises.
- Recent high-level engagements, including Sheikh Mohamed’s private visit in January 2025.
This official visit reinforces the strategic partnership amid regional shifts.
Public Sentiment and Social Media Response
The visit sparked widespread optimism in Pakistan, with citizens anticipating economic boosts, jobs, and stronger ties. Official accounts shared videos of the JF-17 escort, ceremonies, and leader interactions, garnering positive reactions.
Prime Minister Sharif posted about “cordial and constructive” talks, while users praised the grandeur as emblematic of brotherhood.
Future Prospects
Sheikh Mohamed’s visit lays a strong foundation for 2026, promising accelerated economic partnerships, higher trade volumes, and collaborative efforts on shared priorities. As both nations address global challenges, their brotherly alliance continues to foster mutual prosperity and regional harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When and why did UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan visit Pakistan?
The visit took place on December 26, 2025, as a one-day official trip at the invitation of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. It marked his first official visit to Pakistan as UAE President, aimed at reviewing bilateral relations, strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, energy, development, and discussing regional stability and international issues.
What was the nature of the welcome received by the UAE President in Pakistan?
Sheikh Mohamed received a grand ceremonial welcome, including an aerial escort by Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a 21-gun salute, and a guard of honour at Nur Khan Airbase. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with senior officials including Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, personally greeted him.
What key topics were discussed during the bilateral talks?
The leaders held substantive one-on-one and delegation-level talks focusing on deepening economic ties, trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, technology, people-to-people contacts, and coordination on regional and global matters, with both sides expressing commitment to sustainable development and prosperity.
Were any new agreements signed during the visit?
No new agreements were signed during this specific visit. However, the discussions reinforced existing partnerships and built on previous MoUs, such as those from earlier in 2025 on cultural cooperation, consular affairs, and joint business councils.
What is the broader significance of this visit for Pakistan-UAE relations?
The visit underscored the deep fraternal bonds between the two nations, rooted in shared history and culture, with a large Pakistani diaspora in the UAE. It is seen as a milestone to enhance strategic and economic collaboration, potentially leading to increased UAE investments in Pakistan amid ongoing regional dynamics.
