President Zardari Embarks on Four-Day Strategic Visit to UAE

ISLAMABAD  President Asif Ali Zardari departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Monday, January 26, 2026, for a high-profile four-day official visit aimed at elevating the strategic and economic partnership between the two “brotherly nations.” Accompanied by a high-level delegation, the President’s visit is seen as a pivotal step in Pakistan’s broader diplomatic push to secure long-term investment and strengthen regional security cooperation.

Key Objectives of the Visit

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the discussions in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will focus on four primary pillars:

1. Economic Partnership:
   Expanding bilateral trade, which already stands at billions of dollars. Both nations are looking to transition from traditional aid-based relations to a “mutually rewarding” investment-led partnership.

2. Defense & Security:
   Reviewing existing defense cooperation and intelligence-sharing frameworks to address evolving regional security challenges.

3. Digital & Infrastructure:
   Following recent meetings at the World Economic Forum, the visit is expected to pave the way for new MoUs in the digital economy, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

4. People-to-People Ties:
   Strengthening the welfare and legal framework for the nearly 1.8 million Pakistani expatriates living in the UAE.

Diplomatic Significance

This trip follows a recent official visit by the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Pakistan in late 2025. This “reciprocal momentum” signals a period of heightened diplomatic activity.

“The visit reflects the deep brotherly ties and reaffirms our commitment to transforming a longstanding friendship into a comprehensive partnership that delivers tangible benefits,” stated a spokesperson for the Foreign Office.

Meetings and Agenda

During his stay (Jan 26–29), President Zardari is scheduled to meet with:

• H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (President of the UAE)

• H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice President and Prime Minister)

The talks are also expected to touch upon the “Board of Peace” initiative regarding Gaza a diplomatic effort led by the Trump administration that Pakistan recently agreed to join.

Economic Context

The visit comes at a crucial time as Pakistan’s economy shows signs of a record-breaking rally, with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) recently crossing the 191,000-point mark. Strengthening ties with the UAE is seen as essential for maintaining this investor confidence and securing foreign exchange through remittances and direct investment.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. When is President Zardari visiting the UAE?
The official visit is scheduled for four days, starting from Monday, January 26, 2026, to Thursday, January 29, 2026.

2. Who is accompanying the President on this trip?
President Zardari is traveling with a high-level delegation, including senior cabinet members, the Finance Minister, and top diplomatic officials to ensure all sectors of bilateral interest are covered.

3. What are the primary goals of this visit?
The visit focuses on transitioning the Pakistan-UAE relationship from “traditional financial support” to a “mutually rewarding economic partnership.” Key areas include:

• Expanding bilateral trade and long-term investments.

• Enhancing defense and security cooperation.

• Strengthening people-to-people links and expatriate welfare.

4. Why is this visit happening now?
This is a reciprocal visit following the recent official trip of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Pakistan in December 2025. It aims to maintain the high-level diplomatic momentum between the two nations.

5. Will there be any discussions about the Gaza situation?
Yes. Both nations are expected to discuss regional stability, specifically regarding the “Board of Peace” initiative. Pakistan recently accepted an invitation to join this board, which is a diplomatic effort aimed at achieving lasting peace in Gaza.

6. How does this visit affect Pakistani expatriates in the UAE?
A significant portion of the talks will focus on “people-to-people ties.” This includes reviewing a recently discussed “pre-immigration clearance” agreement to make travel and employment easier for Pakistani nationals in the UAE.

7. Is there a focus on the economy and the IMF?
Indirectly, yes. Strengthening ties with the UAE is a signal of stability to international markets. During the visit, the Pakistani delegation will likely provide updates on the country’s economic reforms and the smooth continuation of its IMF Program, which the UAE has historically supported through bilateral deposits.