Islamabad — H.E. Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, the United Arab Emirates’ Ambassador to Pakistan since 2017, has played a pivotal role in elevating the historic and brotherly ties between the two nations. Through visionary leadership and proactive diplomacy, Ambassador Al-Zaabi has significantly deepened cooperation across political, economic, cultural, defense, and technological sectors.
During his tenure, Ambassador Al-Zaabi has championed stronger bilateral ties and economic integration, successfully negotiating a Visa Waiver Agreement for diplomatic and special passport holders, and revitalizing the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) after a 13-year pause. This commission, scheduled to meet in October 2024, aims to boost investment and cooperation across key sectors.
Under his stewardship, bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UAE has surged past $10 billion, establishing the UAE as Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner. UAE investments have notably enhanced Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure, technology, and agriculture sectors, creating jobs and increasing export potential. The UAE also remains Pakistan’s second-largest source of remittances, with over $6.7 billion sent annually by a million-strong Pakistani diaspora.
Ambassador Al-Zaabi has been instrumental in fostering defense and security collaboration, promoting joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism cooperation. He has also facilitated tech-sector partnerships focused on AI, digital finance, and blockchain, aligning with the UAE’s vision to become a knowledge-based economy and leveraging Pakistan’s youth-driven IT talent.
Cultural diplomacy and educational exchanges have flourished under his guidance, with new MoUs enhancing academic cooperation and student exchange programs. The Ambassador has actively supported humanitarian efforts, spearheading UAE-funded relief initiatives in health, education, and housing, particularly in underserved regions of Pakistan.
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Recognized for his outstanding service, Ambassador Al-Zaabi received the UAE Medal of Pride in 2019 and Pakistan’s prestigious Hilal-e-Quaid-e-Azam in 2020, honoring his significant contributions to bilateral relations.
His dedicated care for the Pakistani expatriate community in the UAE — a vital link between the countries — has strengthened socio-cultural ties, ensuring continued educational and cultural support.
Ambassador Hamad Al-Zaabi’s tenure is celebrated as a golden era of UAE-Pakistan diplomacy, marked by trust, partnership, and shared aspirations for peace and prosperity. Reflecting on his journey, he affirms, “Our friendship will continue to grow stronger and endure for generations to come.”
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