Pakistan, UAE agree to deepen cooperation in digital transformation and innovation

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to strengthen collaboration in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), data innovation, and technology-driven entrepreneurship.

The understanding was reached during a series of high-level meetings held on the sidelines of GITEX 2025 in Dubai.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja met Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, to discuss joint initiatives in digital governance, AI research, and cross-border startup investment.

During the meeting, the minister outlined Pakistan’s key digital initiatives, including the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, the National Data Exchange Layer, and national efforts to promote a cashless economy, smart governance, and AI integration in public services.

Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional linkages and identify new areas of collaboration in emerging technologies and data infrastructure.

In a separate meeting with Massimo Falcioni, Chief Competitiveness Officer at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), discussions centered on boosting bilateral cooperation in digital investment, fostering innovation, and encouraging cross-border technology ventures.

Minister Shaza Fatima also met Muneeb Anjum, Chief Executive Officer of AHAD, to explore ways of enhancing Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

Talks focused on building digital trust, strengthening national security frameworks, and promoting public-private partnerships to improve cyber resilience.

The minister emphasized that Pakistan’s digital transformation strategy is rooted in regional collaboration and global partnerships that drive innovation, attract investment, and support inclusive economic growth.

“Pakistan aims to emerge as a key digital hub in the region by integrating technology across governance, economy, and entrepreneurship,” Shaza Fatima said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to innovation-led development.

The engagements reflect growing cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE in technology and innovation - sectors that are expected to play a central role in shaping the region’s digital economy in the years ahead.