President Asif Ali Zardari recently engaged with senior leaders of the United Arab Emirates to discuss avenues for enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Meeting with Dubai’s Ruler
On January 28, 2026, President Zardari met Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at Zabeel Palace. The discussions centered on strengthening brotherly ties and leveraging Dubai’s expertise in ports, logistics, infrastructure, information technology, and digital financial services.
President Zardari congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on two decades of leadership and Dubai’s transformation into a global hub for tourism, finance, and emerging technologies. He also invited Sheikh Mohammed to visit Pakistan to further deepen cooperation.
The meeting included notable attendees such as First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE.
Focus on Economic Reforms and Cooperation
President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms, including investment facilitation and privatization efforts. The leaders explored opportunities for collaboration in infrastructure development, logistics, food security, and technology-driven sectors.
Engagement with DP World Leadership
Separately, President Zardari met Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating institutional support and expedited approvals for partner enterprises.
The discussion emphasized expanding cooperation in rail freight modernization, inland logistics, and integrated freight corridors. President Zardari appreciated DP World’s long-standing partnership and its contributions to Pakistan’s logistics and port infrastructure.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem underscored Pakistan’s strategic geographic position as a regional trade and transit hub, highlighting its connectivity with China, Central Asia, and access to the Arabian Sea.
Meeting with Abu Dhabi’s Ruler
Earlier, President Zardari met with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Both leaders reviewed the broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation and explored new opportunities in trade, investment, energy, infrastructure, technology, and people-to-people exchanges.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of recent high-level visits and the UAE’s ongoing support for Pakistan’s economic progress.
Summary
President Zardari’s visit to the UAE highlighted the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE. The discussions focused on expanding economic ties, infrastructure development, and leveraging regional connectivity to benefit both nations.
