UAE prime minister hosts Pakistani counterpart Shehbaz Sharif

UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum met with his Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif, on Tuesday on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai.

The meeting was attended by top UAE leadership, including Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, according to the Emirate's official news agency WAM.

The two leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation, particularly in economic development and other mutually beneficial sectors. They also emphasized the importance of strengthening global cooperation and coordination to develop unified approaches for tackling challenges and identifying future opportunities.

Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the ruler of Dubai, expressed appreciation for Sharif’s participation in the summit. Sharif, in turn, thanked the UAE for its steadfast support of Pakistan, particularly in development efforts. He praised the UAE’s success in government policy development, calling it a model for the region and the world.

In his address to global leaders at the summit, Sharif outlined Pakistan’s roadmap for economic transformation, energy sustainability, and human development.

He highlighted key economic improvements over the past year, including a drop in headline inflation to 2.4% in January 2025—the lowest in nine years—and a cap on interest rates at 12%, which he said had provided a major stimulus to the private sector.

“Pakistan is committed to achieving a 60% clean energy mix by 2030,” Sharif said, adding that 30% of all vehicles in the country are set to go electric in the coming years.

He detailed Pakistan’s increasing investments in solar, wind, hydropower, and nuclear energy, noting the significant untapped potential in the country’s southern and northern regions.

He also highlighted recent policy reforms to accelerate solar energy adoption, including tax exemptions, investment incentives, and the removal of customs duties on solar panels.

With 70% of Pakistan’s population under the age of 30, Sharif underscored the country’s potential as an investment destination, citing its strategic location between South and Central Asia and its expanding middle class.