Pakistan-UAE relationship faces growing strain amid Islamabad's diplomatic missteps: Report
Washington, May 14
The diplomatic strain between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates appears to be more than a minor setback, with the damage to the bilateral partnership now increasingly seen as enduring. The trust that once underpinned the relationship, based on the expectation of Pakistan's support for Abu Dhabi during critical moments, appears to have eroded, a report has highlighted.
According to the US-based think tank, Middle East Forum, the UAE has long supported Pakistan during economic crises and remained a major destination for Pakistani workers, warning that any long-term deterioration in ties would heighten Pakistan's economic vulnerabilities.
The UAE reportedly asked Pakistan to repay a USD 3.5 billion loan, which Islamabad was able to clear only with Saudi Arabia's support. Subsequently, Emirati authorities deported nearly 15,000 Pakistanis, while Etihad Airways dismissed several employees and ordered them to leave the country within 48 hours. While each incident alone raised questions about the trajectory of the bilateral ties, the report said, together, these developments suggest a serious deterioration in the relationship.
"Such a crisis has been a long time coming. For decades, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates maintained deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. The United Arab Emirates was among Pakistan's closest Persian Gulf partners, repeatedly extending financial assistance during periods of economic instability, investing in key sectors, and hosting millions of Pakistani expatriate workers whose remittances became a crucial pillar of Pakistan's economy," the Middle East Forum report detailed.
"Military cooperation, intelligence coordination, and labour migration reinforced the partnership, with leaders in both countries routinely describing one another as 'brotherly states'. This began to unravel after Pakistan signed a mutual defence pact with Saudi Arabia in September 2025, in which an attack on one is considered an attack on both. The Pakistani move offended Abu Dhabi, whose rivalry with Riyadh peaked after Saudi-backed forces pushed into southern Yemen," it added.
The report highlighted that Gulf Arab tensions with Iran have deepened the drift, with Emiratis believing Pakistan showed sympathy towards Iran during and after the recent conflict. Given years of Emirati financial support for Pakistan, Abu Dhabi had expected stronger diplomatic alignment from Islamabad, especially amid Iranian missile and drone attacks.
"That the Emiratis believed that Pakistan did not adequately address their concerns during peace negotiations added to the sense of grievance. Pakistan's decision to open six land routes into Iran while Gulf Arab countries faced an Iranian blockade themselves, compounded the problem. Emirati strategic commentary reflects the growing tension with Pakistan," the report noted.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I find this fascinating. Pakistan's diplomatic woes are a masterclass in how NOT to handle international relations. They've managed to alienate their closest Gulf partner while trying to please everyone else. The UAE's frustration is understandable - when you've lent billions and provided jobs for millions, you expect some loyalty in return. Pakistan's economy is already in shambles; this will only make things worse. 🇮🇳
From a Western perspective, this is a classic case of overpromising and underdelivering. Pakistan signed a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia without considering the UAE's reaction. Now they're paying the price. The UAE isn't a small player to be ignored - they have significant economic leverage. The Pakistani diaspora in the UAE must be worried sick right now. This could have major ripple effects for remittances.
It's sad to see any country's people suffer because of their leadership's poor decisions. The 15,000 Pakistanis deported are real families with dreams and struggles. But at the same time, Pakistan's government needs to understand that in international politics, you can't be wishy-washy about who you stand with. You either support your allies or you don't. The UAE has every right to be upset. Hope this serves as a lesson for all nations to value genuine partnerships over short-term gains.
Interesting how the Middle East Forum report mentions Pakistan opening six land routes into Iran while Gulf countries faced an Iranian blockade. That's a major diplomatic blunder! It's like stabbing your friend in the back while they're fighting a fire. The UAE was literally under missile attacks from Iran, and Pakistan is opening trade routes with them? Yaar, kya soch hai inki? (What are they thinking?) The Gulf countries will remember this for a long time.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.