Ambassador Alzaabi lauded for strengthening Pakistan-UAE ties as he completes his tenure
Dubai: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari received the outgoing Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi, at Aiwan-e-Sadr to bid him farewell at the conclusion of his tenure in Pakistan.
The President congratulated Ambassador Alzaabi on the successful completion of his assignment and commended his role in strengthening Pakistan-UAE relations across political, economic, and cultural spheres. He also extended best wishes for the envoy’s future endeavours, while expressing gratitude to the UAE leadership for its consistent support to Pakistan in development projects, humanitarian relief, and investment initiatives.
President Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan attaches high importance to its long-standing and brotherly ties with the UAE, describing the relationship as one rooted in common faith, culture, and mutual trust. He stressed the need to further deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, investment, and human resource development.
Ambassador Alzaabi, who assumed office in Islamabad in September 2017, expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the Government and people of Pakistan throughout his tenure. He pledged that the UAE would remain a steadfast partner of Pakistan in the years ahead.
Hamad Obaid Alzaabi is a seasoned diplomat with nearly two decades of service to the UAE. He began his career in 2004 as an Attaché at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and went on to serve at the UAE Mission to the United Nations in New York, the UAE Embassy in Paris, and at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded the UAE Medal of Pride in 2019 and Pakistan’s Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam Award in 2020, one of the country’s highest honours for foreign dignitaries. In January 2024, he was promoted to the senior rank of Minister Plenipotentiary First Class.
During his over six-year tenure in Islamabad, Ambassador Alzaabi played a pivotal role in advancing Pakistan-UAE ties.
Among his notable achievements:
Negotiated the UAE-Pakistan Visa Waiver Agreement for diplomatic and special passport holders, easing official travel between the two nations.
Helped expand bilateral trade beyond $10 billion, while encouraging greater UAE investment in Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure, and agricultural sectors.
Promoted humanitarian and development assistance from the UAE, particularly during times of crisis.
Supported cultural and educational exchanges, including Pakistan’s successful participation at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Encouraged new partnerships in defence, healthcare, and education.
Ambassador Alzaabi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UAE University (2004) and a Master’s degree in Diplomacy and International Affairs from Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he graduated with distinction in 2011. He is fluent in Arabic, English, and French, skills that have enabled him to represent the UAE effectively on the international stage.
As Ambassador Alzaabi departs Islamabad, his tenure is widely regarded as a period of strengthened cooperation, increased economic engagement, and deepened cultural bonds between Pakistan and the UAE.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox