New Delhi, Apr 4: Sharp differences between Pakistan and the UAE have emerged primarily over economic and diplomatic issues.
The UAE is irked by Pakistan’s open support for Iran during the current war and is particularly unhappy with Islamabad’s diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire. While Abu Dhabi appears to favour a prolonged campaign by the United States and Israel to weaken or even dismantle the Iranian regime, Pakistan has been actively pushing for negotiations and de-escalation.
Islamabad believes that the collapse of the Iranian regime would have serious consequences for Pakistan’s own security.
A prolonged civil war or political vacuum in Iran could spill instability across the border, fuel sectarian tensions inside Pakistan, and create fresh refugee and security challenges. Pakistan also fears that a weakened Iran could trigger wider regional turmoil, disrupt trade routes, and increase pressure along its western frontier.
For the UAE, however, the war is seen as an opportunity to permanently curb Iran’s regional influence and end the threat posed by Tehran-backed groups across the Middle East.
These sharply different approaches have widened the gap between the two countries and exposed growing differences in their regional priorities.
For the past few years, Pakistan and the UAE ties are witnessing significant difference on many critical issues.
The two countries differed on major issues such as the UAE’s close ties with India, cancellation of the deal to operate Islamabad airport, strict visa restrictions on Pakistani workers, and Pakistan’s support to the Saudi Kingdom on the Yemen conflict and other issues.
The sign of further strain in their partnership came to fore on Friday when the UAE asked Pakistan to immediately return a 3 billion deposit, ending a series of rollovers that had supported Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves.
This repayment follows the UAE’s dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s diplomatic choices.
UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan made a brief “few-hour” visit to Pakistan early this year and it was primarily aimed to manage relations.
While leaders from both countries officially reiterate a desire to deepen cooperation, especially in economic and technological sectors, the widening gap in their regional security approaches has placed severe strain on the relationship.
The visit was seen as an effort to keep ties warm amidst a changing geopolitical landscape in South Asia with the UAE having strengthened it’s ties with India.
The UAE withdrew from a deal to manage Islamabad International Airport in early 2026 after Pakistan did not agree to include Karachi and Lahore airports in the framework.
Pakistan’s close ties with Turkey and Qatar has also upset the Emirates and so the UAE has aligned with other regional security partners.
