UAE businessman calls for stronger Pakistan-UAE trade, investment and tourism ties

United Arab Emirates-based business leader and Chairman of Al Zarooni Group, Suhail Muhammad Al Zarooni, has called for a broader and more ambitious economic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE

KARACHI: United Arab Emirates-based business leader and Chairman of Al Zarooni Group, Suhail Muhammad Al Zarooni, has called for a broader and more ambitious economic partnership between Pakistan and the UAE, saying both countries can unlock substantial opportunities by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, technology, logistics, real estate and industrial development.

During his visit to Pakistan, Al Zarooni stressed that the existing relationship between the two countries provides a strong foundation for deeper economic engagement. He said greater interaction between businesses, investors and citizens of both countries could help translate the longstanding bilateral relationship into increased commercial activity and mutually beneficial investment.

He emphasized the importance of creating an environment in which investors from both countries can establish partnerships more easily. According to him, simplifying investment procedures, improving investor facilitation and strengthening business-to-business contacts could encourage more joint ventures and contribute to higher bilateral trade.

Al Zarooni also called for greater cooperation in emerging and high-growth sectors, including technology, logistics and real estate, alongside traditional areas of commerce and industry. He said Pakistan’s large market, geographical position and diverse economic potential could provide opportunities for Emirati businesses, while Pakistani companies could benefit from stronger access to the UAE and wider Gulf markets.

Focus on Tourism Potential

Tourism was another key area highlighted by the UAE businessman, who urged Pakistan to make greater efforts to attract visitors from Arab countries, particularly the Gulf region.

He said improvements in visa procedures, tourism infrastructure, accommodation, transportation and visitor services would be important for making Pakistan a more competitive destination for Gulf tourists.

Recalling the 1980s, Al Zarooni said Pakistan had previously enjoyed considerable popularity among visitors from the UAE and other Gulf states. During that period, he noted, visitors travelled to Pakistan for tourism and business while some also invested in property and spent money across a range of local sectors.

According to Al Zarooni, the resulting economic activity benefited businesses and communities by generating employment, supporting local enterprises and increasing consumer spending.

He argued that Pakistan could once again tap into this market by adopting a targeted tourism strategy aimed specifically at visitors from Gulf countries. Such a strategy, he said, could help revive an important source of economic activity while strengthening cultural and social ties between the two countries.

Call for Positive Bilateral Relations

Al Zarooni also spoke about the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and the UAE, emphasizing the importance of maintaining mutual respect and understanding between the two nations.

He said Emirati citizens have traditionally viewed Pakistan and its people with warmth and respect and urged stakeholders on both sides to protect the goodwill built over decades.

He cautioned against allowing negative narratives and irresponsible social media content to undermine relations between the two countries. Instead, he called for constructive engagement, fraternity and diplomacy focused on protecting the interests, dignity and sentiments of both nations.

According to Al Zarooni, the relationship between Pakistan and the UAE extends beyond economic interests and is supported by decades of social, cultural and people-to-people connections.

He said stronger exchanges between citizens, tourists, entrepreneurs and business communities could further deepen these ties and create new opportunities for cooperation.

Commitment to Pakistani Community

Al Zarooni also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Pakistani community living in the UAE and highlighted his philanthropic activities in Pakistan.

He said his relationship with Pakistan and its people was based on longstanding bonds of respect, affection and service.

He further described Pakistan as a country with considerable potential for both tourism and investment, pointing to its diverse geography and cultural heritage.

From its northern mountains and valleys to its coastal areas and historic sites, Pakistan offers a wide range of attractions that could appeal to visitors from the UAE and other Gulf countries, he said.

Al Zarooni noted that increased tourism between Pakistan and the UAE could produce benefits beyond the hospitality sector by supporting transportation, retail, real estate, restaurants, entertainment and other related businesses.

Greater Economic Engagement Needed

The UAE businessman stressed that stronger economic relations would require coordinated efforts from governments as well as private-sector stakeholders.

He called for greater interaction between companies, investors and chambers of commerce to identify practical areas for cooperation and develop joint projects.

He also emphasized that improved investment facilitation could play a key role in attracting more foreign capital. Clear procedures, efficient approvals and investor-friendly policies, he said, could give businesses greater confidence to explore long-term opportunities in Pakistan.

Al Zarooni’s remarks come amid continued efforts to strengthen economic and commercial relations between Pakistan and the UAE. Both countries maintain longstanding political and economic ties, while the Pakistani community in the UAE remains an important link between the two economies.

Concluding his remarks, Al Zarooni urged the governments and business communities of Pakistan and the UAE to build on their longstanding friendship by promoting trust, mutual respect and constructive diplomacy.