In a significant move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi invited Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori to visit the newly established UAE visa centre in Karachi. The invitation was extended during a meeting at the Governor House in Karachi, which also saw the participation of UAE Consul General Bakheet Ateeq Al Remeithi.
Ambassador Al Zaabi announced that Pakistani nationals would now be eligible to apply for five-year visas to the UAE. This new policy is expected to further enhance the flow of people-to-people contact and foster closer ties between the two countries. The UAE envoy expressed strong support for the development initiatives undertaken by Governor Tessori, recognizing his efforts in contributing to Sindh and Karachi’s growth.
As part of his visit, Ambassador Al Zaabi participated in a tree plantation drive at the Governor House and also took part in a flag-hoisting ceremony. He marked the occasion in the guest book, highlighting the deep and enduring friendship between the UAE and Pakistan.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) had confirmed that the UAE had lifted any official visa ban on Pakistani nationals, clarifying that the new five-year visa policy requires applicants to meet several conditions, including round-trip tickets, hotel bookings, property ownership proof (if applicable), and a down payment of AED 3,000. The MoFA noted that increased scrutiny on Pakistani applicants was due to issues related to fraudulent documents, overstaying visas, and misconduct by some individuals.
Governor Tessori thanked Ambassador Al Zaabi for the UAE’s ongoing investment in Pakistan and praised the strengthening of the bilateral relationship, which is critical for both economic and cultural exchange.
