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Tourism·29 August 2026

UAE and Pakistan Urged to Boost Trade, Investment, and Tourism Ties

Suhail Muhammad Al Zarooni, Chairman of Al Zarooni Group, called for increased trade, investment, and tourism cooperation between the UAE and Pakistan, citing significant untapped potential in multiple sectors.

H.E. Suhail Muhammad Al Zarooni, Chairman of Al Zarooni Group, has emphasised the substantial, yet unfulfilled, potential for enhanced trade, investment, and tourism between the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan. During a recent visit to Pakistan, Al Zarooni highlighted key sectors such as commerce, industry, real estate, technology, logistics, and tourism as prime areas for joint initiatives.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Al Zarooni advocated for stronger business-to-business connections, simplified investment procedures, and greater facilitation for investors to boost bilateral trade and foster joint ventures. He noted the deep affection Emirati citizens hold for Pakistan, urging both nations to prioritise fraternity and constructive diplomacy over negative narratives.

“The UAE and Pakistan share decades of brotherhood, and it is vital to safeguard each other’s interests, dignity and sentiments.”

He called for new avenues of collaboration across various industries, stressing that easing investment processes and encouraging joint ventures would significantly increase bilateral trade.

Revitalising Tourism

Special attention was given to tourism, with Al Zarooni urging Pakistan to actively attract tourists from Arab countries, particularly the Gulf region. He suggested improvements in visa facilitation, tourism infrastructure, and visitor services. Recalling the 1980s, when Pakistan was a popular destination for UAE and Gulf visitors who invested in property and spent across the economy, he stressed the need for a focused tourism strategy for the Gulf market to revive this economic opportunity.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of the Pakistani community in the UAE and highlighted Pakistan's rich natural and cultural heritage as an attractive proposition for Emirati tourists and investors. From mountains to coastal regions and historic landmarks, Pakistan offers immense tourism potential that, if leveraged, could benefit both economies and strengthen people-to-people ties.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

Which sectors hold untapped potential for UAE-Pakistan cooperation?
According to H.E. Suhail Muhammad Al Zarooni, significant untapped potential exists in commerce, industry, real estate, technology, logistics, and tourism between the UAE and Pakistan.
What measures were suggested to boost bilateral trade and investment?
Suggestions include strengthening business-to-business links, simplifying investment procedures, and providing greater facilitation for investors to encourage joint ventures.
How can Pakistan attract more tourists from the Gulf region?
Suhail Al Zarooni recommended that Pakistan improve visa facilitation, enhance its tourism infrastructure, and upgrade visitor services to attract tourists from Arab countries, particularly the Gulf.
What historical precedent was mentioned for Gulf tourism in Pakistan?
Al Zarooni recalled the 1980s, when Pakistan was an attractive destination for visitors from the UAE and other Gulf states, who invested in property and contributed to various economic sectors.
What is Al Zarooni's perspective on UAE-Pakistan relations?
He emphasised that the relationship is built on decades of brotherhood, urging both sides to focus on fraternity, trust, and positive diplomacy to elevate bilateral relations.
Reported by
Logistics & Data-Centre Real Estate
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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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