Story of the pivotal role played by Pakistanis in the boom witnessed by the UAE during last 5 decades

Islamabad: A close friend in Emaar Properties the builders of Burj Khalifa disclosed to me that upon the completion of project in 2009, I gazed on top of the Burj where I saw a Pakistani worker waving joyfully after finalising his work on the tallest skyscraper of the world, thus, this story is reflecting the pivotal role played by our skilful Pakistani brothers in structural and economic development and boom witnessed by United Arab Emirates during last 5 decades.

First interaction

This reminded me my first visit in childhood to my family doctor a proficient Pakistani Physician along with my mother, who impressed me with his friendly dealing and curative treatment, since then I been meeting many Pakistani brothers extending their precious expertise in the process of development and prosperity of UAE.

Preferred destination

In his meeting with the hounorable Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan at PM House in Islamabad last January in my presence, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Surpreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces told Prime Minister Imran Khan that in his childhood when he was 5 year old (in 1966 approximately) he was accompanying Late Sheikh Zayed in his private visit to Pakistan and he was of the believe that there are only two countries in world, UAE and Pakistan, this reveals that the Pakistan was only preferred destination for the Late Sheikh Zayed as family visit station, and to be frankly this never came accidentally, it has reasons.

Second home

The bonds affinity of historical and cultural bounds between the two brotherly peoples of the United Arab Emirates and Islamic Republic of Pakistan has long traces.

The shores on both sides of Arabian Sea its deserts, dunes and weather conditions shaped a similar culture and common destiny for both nations, the ancient history reveals many intra cultural and trade exchanges and travels, in new history the founding father of UAE Late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan always preferred Pakistan as his second home, and even before the establishment of UAE he has visited Pakistan many times along with other Sheikhs and companions.

These interactions resulted in Pakistan being the first country to recognise UAE as country in 1971, eventually the Pakistani Diaspora played important role in establishing and building many institutions of UAE.

First flight

Emirates which became now one of the world leading Airlines is an evident example of above role, as PIA provided technical and administrative assistance to the new carrier and leased a new Boeing 737—300 and an Airbus A300B4-200, and I was delighted to receive Capt. Rtd. Fazl Ghani Mian, the Pilot who leaded the Emirates first and launching flight from Dubai to Karachi on 25 October 1985, in my office last month.

Role in various sectors

The talented people also involved in military trainings, banking sectors, infrastructure developments, transport and many other essential fields drawing prominent lines in the beautiful and prosperous picture of my beloved homeland.

1.6 million Pakistanis in the UAE

Pakistanis remain the pivotal contributors in development of UAE and with 1.6 million Pakistanis living with peace and respect as second largest foreigner community in UAE, involved in the country’s business, investment and services sectors, beside their contributions to Pakistan’s economy as the UAE considered the second largest source of remittances to Pakistan for last many years consistently according to the financial sources.

These contributions helped in evolving the close friendship between United Arab Emirates and Islamic Republic of Pakistan, consequently the UAE once became the largest foreign direct investment country with its huge investments in the fields of oil refinery, telecommunication, banking, aviation and property development, meanwhile UAE remain committed to assist the Pakistan in its economic stability and human development.

Humanitarian assistance

Beside its financial assistances to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the UAE also established many humanitarian and development programs for the brotherly people of Pakistan, built many land mark hospitals, colleges, schools, roads, bridges, airports, housing projects, water supply schemes and many seasonal and emergency relief programs in various provinces and areas of Pakistan.

Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Alzaabi is the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan.