Islamabad hosted a vibrant reception to commemorate the 53rd National Day of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), “Eid Al Etihad,” bringing together dignitaries including the Pakistani President and Prime Minister, UAE Ambassador, ministers, diplomats, and senior officials.
UAE’s 53rd National Day, “Eid Al Etihad”, held in Islamabad on December 17, 2024, underscored the enduring friendship and growing cooperation between the two nations. UAE National Day, celebrated annually on December 2, marks the joyous unification of the seven emirates, commemorating the founding of the United Arab Emirates.
UAE National Day marked in Islamabad
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the UAE’s remarkable progress, attributing its success to visionary leadership. “We are immensely proud of the UAE’s achievements under the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a great friend of Pakistan, whose contributions in health, infrastructure, and airports are well known,” he said. “His legacy continues through his dynamic son, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose transformative leadership has earned the UAE a prominent place in the world.”
The prime minister highlighted the UAE’s pivotal support in securing Pakistan’s recent IMF program and thanked the UAE for reopening visa facilities and hosting a significant Pakistani diaspora. “Our brotherly nations will march together on the path of progress, touching new historic heights in our friendship,” he declared.
“Emarat-Pakistan Dosti Zindbaad”
UAE Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi expressed similar optimism about the partnership. “Today, we celebrate the remarkable journey of progress, unity and prosperity envisioned by our founding fathers,” he said, emphasizing the UAE’s commitment to unity, innovation, and compassion.
He praised the UAE-Pakistan relationship as “deep-rooted and built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for regional peace and development.” The ambassador underscored the UAE’s resolve to strengthen economic collaboration with Pakistan, particularly in renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, economic diversification, and agriculture. “Together, we can create opportunities for our youth and drive innovation that benefits not just our two countries but the entire region,” he added.
The ambassador also acknowledged Pakistan’s unwavering support, saying, “We are grateful for the warm hospitality and enduring partnership offered by the government and people of Pakistan. May this friendship continue to grow for generations.” The UAE Ambassador concluded his speech with these words: “Emarat-Pakistan Dosti Zindbaad.”
The UAE is one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners and a major source of foreign investment, valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE ministry of foreign affairs. Trade volume between the two countries rose to $7.9 billion in 2023, up 12% from 2022.
As the evening concluded, both Pakistan and UAE celebrated the shared vision of unity and innovation that continues to guide their nations, pledging to deepen ties for the benefit of future generations.
Pakistan President and PM congratulate UAE leaders and people
Pakistani President and Prime Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the people of the UAE on the country’s national day.
Speaking at the event, President Asif Ali Zardari said bilateral relations between the two countries had transformed into a “trustworthy strategic partnership across political, economic, and social dimensions.” He added that “The UAE remains one of Pakistan’s most significant economic partners and stands as one of the largest investors in Pakistan, and our bilateral trade continues to grow steadily”.
The president also said that Pakistan looks forward to enhance cooperation with the UAE in key sectors, such as information technology, renewable energy, agriculture, and tourism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked the UAE for hosting a large Pakistani diaspora and reopening visa facilities, acknowledging the efforts of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and Ambassador Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi.
Sharif also thanked the UAE for its economic support to Pakistan, especially in helping meet external financing gaps that paved the way for the approval of an IMF loan program in September. The newly launched Pakistan Business Council (PBC), set up at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aims to increase Pakistan’s bilateral trade volume with the UAE to $40 billion in three years.
Last week, Ambassador Al-Zaabi met Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to discuss steps to streamline visa processes for Pakistanis. The foreign office has consistently dismissed claims of a visa ban, with its spokesperson stating, “Any issues that arise with respect to issuance of visas and stay of Pakistani nationals in the UAE are important agenda items between Pakistan and the UAE and we continue to discuss them.”