ABU DHABI: Trade and financial ties between Pakistan and the UAE are reaching new highs, with bilateral trade crossing $10.9 billion in 2023–24. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Tirmizi, confirmed the figures, adding that remittances from the Pakistani community in the Emirates touched $6.7 billion and are expected to exceed $7 billion in 2025.
Goods trade made up $8.41 billion of the total, with Pakistan’s exports rising by 41% to $2.08 billion, while imports dropped by 14%, helping cut the trade deficit by nearly 28%. Trade in services grew over 20% to $2.56 billion.
The ambassador also noted continued momentum into the current fiscal year. From July 2024 to January 2025, overall goods trade rose by over 21%, showing signs of deeper engagement.
Meanwhile, the UAE remains a key investor in Pakistan, with 19 Emirati companies operating across vital sectors like real estate, oil and gas, IT, housing, and banking. Major players include Etihad, Emirates, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Emaar. The Abu Dhabi Group owns Bank Alfalah and UBL, and the UAE telecom sector acquired a large stake in PTCL for over $2 billion.
Infrastructure projects are also on the rise. DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports Company have signed agreements to enhance operations at Karachi Port and develop connected rail networks.
Ambassador Tirmizi praised the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in simplifying investment processes. He also acknowledged the vital role of the 1.5 million-strong Pakistani community in the UAE, encouraging legal remittances and cultural respect.
