Islamabad, Pakistan: His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is undertaking an official visit to Pakistan from 20-21 April 2025.
This high-level visit reflects the deep-rooted, fraternal relations between Pakistan and the UAE, and underscores the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across all areas of mutual interest.
During his visit, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan will hold talks with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister of Pakistan. The entire spectrum of bilateral relations, with particular focus on trade and investment, energy cooperation, regional security, and people-to-people linkages, will be reviewed during the meeting. The visit will also provide an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and concern. The visit of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan will further cement the longstanding Pakistan-UAE ties and contribute to deepening bilateral engagements in diverse fields, benefiting the peoples of both countries.
Pakistan’s Ambassador in UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, when contacted, said that Pak-UAE bilateral relations are time-tested and UAE has always been helpful to Pakistan in all spheres, and recent bilateral engagements confirmed that both countries are designing a shared future.
He stated that the constant increase in bilateral trade and strategic relations is outcome of the vision of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the constant guidance of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and both believe that Pakistan and the UAE have a shared future. The envoy was of the view that targets set for bilateral trade would be achieved as Pakistan is focused on meeting requirements about the services industries, and Pakistanis in the UAE are performing well.
Responding to another questions, he said that the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) played a pivotal role in streamlining investment processes by offering a one-window operation to investors. “Recognizing the need for swift and hassle-free solutions, SIFC effectively addresses previous gaps, ensuring a more efficient and investor-friendly environment”, said Ambassador Tirmizi.
Responding to questions, Ambassador Tirmizi stated that the strong foundation of Pakistan-UAE relations was laid in the 1960s by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan during his tenure as the Governor of Al Ain. Since then, both nations have prioritized strengthening bilateral ties, with a particular focus on enhancing economic cooperation and investment. Key areas of collaboration include expanding Pakistan’s exports to the UAE and fostering investment opportunities in vital sectors such as banking, finance, energy, food and agriculture, logistics, infrastructure, and port operations.
It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, launched a book about the life and work of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This was first ever book launched by Pakistan Embassy as a tribute to the founding father of the UAE, the Embassy also launched a book on the Life and Works of the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan titled “Sheikh Zayed Maimaar-e-Watan,” written by a prominent Pakistani, Khan Zaman Suroor during celebration of Pakistan Day in UAE. The book is a homage from the Pakistani community to the people and the Government of the UAE. Khan Zaman was a teenager when he arrived in the UAE.
The book is not just a Biography rather it is an account of the Legacy of Unity and Compassion. Mimar-E-Watan: A Country Builder is not merely a historical account of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s life—it is a profound celebration of his enduring legacy. This book beautifully intertwines personal anecdotes, geopolitical influence, and heartfelt tributes to reveal how one man’s vision transformed a desert into a thriving nation while leaving an indelible mark on Pakistan. Beyond politics and development, it is a story of humanity, showcasing how leadership rooted in empathy can bridge cultures and generations.
“Mimar-E-Watan” is an intimate portrait through personal memories of the author. What sets this book apart is its deeply personal perspective. Khan Zaman Soroor, the author, does not write as a distant observer but as someone who witnessed Sheikh Zayed’s humility firsthand. His childhood memories—playing with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed and the genuine warmth with which the leader engaged with ordinary people—paint a vivid picture of a ruler who shunned pomp and privilege. These stories humanize a figure often seen only through the lens of statecraft.
