Islamabad – The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Pakistan marked the 54th UAE National Day with a prestigious reception, highlighting the profound and strategic partnership between the two nations. The event, hosted by His Excellency Ambassador Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, was held at the Serena Hotel on December 08, 2025.
High-Level Participation Underscores Strategic Partnership
The celebration witnessed the distinguished presence of Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar. The guest list further comprised federal ministers, parliamentarians, senior government officials, prominent business leaders, and members of the diplomatic and media corps, reflecting the significance of the bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Sharif Extends Felicitations and Highlights Historic Bonds
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif extended his heartfelt congratulations to the leadership and people of the UAE. “My heartiest felicitations to my dear brother Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, as well as to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” he stated.
The Prime Minister reflected on the UAE’s extraordinary journey, expressing profound admiration for its visionary leadership. “Witnessing the UAE’s remarkable journey as it attains new heights of progress fills all of us with profound admiration… for the great late father Sheikh Zayed, who was the real architect of the great brotherhood, fraternity, and friendship between Pakistan and the UAE,” he noted.
PM Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening economic collaboration, stating, “Pakistan stands ready to welcome investment from the United Arab Emirates in key sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, fintech, agriculture, and minerals.” He emphasized, “Today we honour the enduring spirit of brotherhood that binds our two nations. Pakistan takes great pride in its strategic partnership with the UAE, which continues to deepen across every domain.”
Ambassador Zaabi Reaffirms Commitment to Enhanced Cooperation
UAE Ambassador Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, in his remarks, emphasized the UAE’s unwavering commitment to fortifying its multifaceted relationship with Pakistan. He pointed to shared common values and a joint vision for regional peace and development as the foundation of this bond.
“We look forward to strengthening this cooperation, especially through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will open new horizons for trade and investment between our two countries, bringing prosperity to our peoples,” the Ambassador stated.
He outlined the UAE’s strategic advancements in economic diversification, sustainable development, space exploration, clean energy, and artificial intelligence, attributing this progress to strategic investments in human capital and knowledge. Ambassador Zaabi highlighted specific milestones, including the UAE’s collaboration on a lunar space station project, the establishment of the first Arab permanent polar research base, and the launch of ‘Falcon Arabic,’ the first AI model in the Arabic language.
Symbolic Gestures Cement Fraternal Spirit
The ceremony included a traditional cake-cutting ritual to commemorate the occasion, performed jointly by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Ambassador Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi, symbolizing the shared joy and fraternal ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
The event served as a powerful testament to the deep-rooted historical connections and a forward-looking partnership poised for further growth and mutual prosperity.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
