UAE leader praises Pakistan's economic recovery in talks with PM Shehbaz

United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday praised Pakistan's economic stabilization efforts, expressing confidence in the country’s recovery as it begins to emerge from a period of severe economic turmoil marked by soaring inflation and currency depreciation.

The endorsement came during a high-level meeting in southern Pakistan, where both leaders discussed expanding cooperation in renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure development.

"Pakistan's renewed economic vigor has created prospects for enhanced bilateral investment," Sheikh Mohamed said, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. He expressed particular interest in collaborating in Pakistan's mining, minerals, and agriculture sectors, areas that align with the UAE's strategy of diversifying its investments beyond oil.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif traveled to Rahim Yar Khan to meet with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has been in the region since earlier this week for his traditional winter visit.

"We are ready to expand cooperation in sectors ranging from renewable energy to technology, trade, infrastructure and skill development," Sharif said during the meeting.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, right, and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan meet at Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, Sunday, January 5, 2025.PID

Both leaders also discussed regional stability and climate change, with Sheikh Mohmmed reiterating the UAE's commitment to enhancing its longstanding partnership with Pakistan. The UAE president emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections and shared prosperity between the two nations.

The meeting in Rahim Yar Khan was attended by key Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Punjab's Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, whose province is central to many proposed development projects. Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar were also present.

The meeting concluded with agreements to accelerate cooperation in priority sectors, though specific investment figures were not immediately disclosed. Pakistani officials expressed optimism that the talks would lead to concrete economic partnerships in the coming months.

The UAE has historically maintained close ties with Pakistan, providing crucial economic support during financial difficulties and hosting millions of Pakistani workers who contribute significantly to Pakistan's foreign remittances. The Gulf nation has previously helped stabilize Pakistan's economy through deposits in the central bank and deferred oil payments.

Why is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed in Rahim Yar Khan?

Since the 1970s, the UAE's ruling family has maintained special hunting privileges in the region, particularly for the houbara bustard, a rare bird that migrates from Central Asia to Pakistan's warmer plains during winter.

Rahim Yar Khan is among several districts traditionally allocated to UAE leaders for hunting expeditions. These hunting visits often serve as informal settings for high-level diplomatic engagements.

The UAE and other Gulf states have also invested significantly in houbara bustard conservation efforts, establishing breeding centers and supporting scientific research to ensure the species' survival. These programs include captive breeding facilities, release programs, and habitat preservation initiatives across Pakistan's hunting territories.