Washington, May 15: Diplomatic tensions between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are no longer minor disruptions; they now appear to threaten the very foundation of their bilateral partnership. A recent report indicates that the trust that once underpinned their relationship—rooted in the expectation that Pakistan would support Abu Dhabi in difficult times—is now crumbling.
According to the Middle East Forum, a Washington-based think tank, the UAE has long supported Pakistan during economic crises and remains a key destination for Pakistani workers. However, it warns that any long-term decline in relations could exacerbate Pakistan’s economic vulnerabilities.
Reports suggest that the UAE has demanded the repayment of a $3.5 million loan from Pakistan, which Islamabad could only settle with Saudi support. Following this, Emirati officials expelled nearly 15,000 Pakistani citizens, while Etihad Airways dismissed several employees and ordered them to leave the country within 48 hours. Each of these incidents raises questions about the direction of bilateral relations, collectively signaling a severe downturn.
The Middle East Forum’s report elaborates, stating, “Such a crisis has been long anticipated. For decades, Pakistan and the UAE have maintained deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. The UAE has been one of Pakistan’s closest partners in the Gulf, repeatedly providing financial assistance during times of economic instability, investing in key sectors, and sheltering millions of Pakistani migrant workers whose remittances have become a vital pillar of Pakistan’s economy.”
It further notes, “Military cooperation, intelligence coordination, and labor migration have strengthened this partnership, with leaders from both countries regularly referring to each other as ‘brotherly states.’ This partnership began to unravel in September 2025 when Pakistan signed a mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, which considers an attack on one as an attack on both. This move angered Abu Dhabi, whose rivalry with Riyadh peaked following Saudi-supported incursions in southern Yemen.”
The report highlights that tensions between Gulf Arab states and Iran have further widened the rift between the two sides. Emiratis believe that Pakistan has shown sympathy towards Iran during and after recent conflicts. Given the financial aid the UAE has provided to Pakistan over the years, Abu Dhabi expected a strong diplomatic relationship with Islamabad, especially amid Iranian missile and drone attacks.
The report states, “The fact that Emiratis felt Pakistan did not adequately address their concerns during peace talks has heightened feelings of dissatisfaction. Despite facing its own Iranian blockade, Pakistan’s decision to open six land routes to Iran has complicated matters further. Emirati strategic comments reflect the growing tensions with Pakistan.”
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