UAE-PAKISTAN Bilateral Relations in New Phase of Development

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan are strategic partners and among the main stakeholders in the region. They both enjoy extremely close and fraternal relations founded on deep-rooted cultural affinities, shared faith and traditions. Geographic proximity and identity of interests has further strengthened bilateral relations. The rise of commercial diplomacy has also started a new chapter in their trust-worthy relations.

The foundation of trust worthy bilateral relations was laid by the founder of modern UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It has been further strengthened by the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and its government.

UAE has been a major donor as well as supporter of all kinds of assistance to Pakistan in many diversified sectors i.e. social development (education, health, cleaning drinking water, sanitation, infrastructure, housing etc.), economic development (grants, soft loans, development packages to lessen the energy deficit, budgetary deficit and hosting of many investment road-shows and Friends of Pakistan Donor Conferences in Abu Dhabi & Dubai), infrastructural development (the UAE-PAP is the prime example), political support (always appreciate the government of Pakistan front-line role in the war against terrorism, stand with the people of Pakistan in case of any external aggression etc.). UAE Humanitarian assistance has been contributed to a lot of good results in far flung areas of Pakistan.

UAE has also been appreciative of Pakistan’s positive contribution to the evolution of key institutions in the Emirates such as armed forces, police, health and education, and has reciprocated in the same friendly manner to the full satisfaction of Pakistan.

According to official figures the UAE has become Pakistan’s largest trading partner, with annual bilateral trade reaching $10 billion. It is also the second-largest investor in Pakistan with $21 billion investments mainly in banking, real estate, energy, infrastructure, telecommunications, ports, housing and aviation etc.

New Chapter of UAE-Pakistan Bilateral Relations via Commercial Diplomacy
The long-standing relations between U.A.E. and Pakistan were established in November 1972. In February 1977, the first meeting of the U.A.E.-Pakistan Joint Committee took place in Abu Dhabi. The two countries signed an agreement on avoidance of double taxation in 1999.

During 2014, the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan privately visited Pakistan and met Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. “We are looking forward to further developing the fraternal relations between the UAE and Pakistan and always strive hard to bring benefits to the people of the two countries,” Shaikh Khalifa stressed.

On his part, Sharif highly appreciated Shaikh Khalifa’s visit which represents the strong relations and the bonds of love between the two friendly countries. He also pointed out the excellent role being played by the UAE in provision of aid to the people of Pakistan in the form of several projects aimed at improving the level of services in various provinces of Pakistan. He affirmed that Pakistani leadership and the people appreciate the UAE, led by Shaikh Khalifa, for this kid and noble gesture. During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to bolster them for mutual benefit. They also exchanged views on a number of latest regional and international developments, in addition to other issues of mutual interest.

UAE-Pakistan 11^th Joint Ministerial Commission Meeting
During 2014, UAE and 11^th joint ministerial commission meeting was also held in Islamabad. UAE Foreign Minister H.E. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan headed the UAE delegation. During his two day stay he had different spells of meetings with Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, President Mamnoon Hussain and Adviser on Foreign Affairs National Security Sartaj Aziz in which he thoroughly discussed a wide range of issues relating to trade & commerce, further enhancing of economic ties, prospects of FDIs and joint ventures. Both sides principally agreed to enhance bilateral economic cooperation and decided to establish Joint Trade Council to promote trade between the two countries.

Achieving of Sustainable Economic Ties
Both sides also agreed that the political goodwill that exists between the two countries must be translated into sustainable economic ties. The two countries also decided to hold first meeting of Joint Business Council (JBC) in the first quarter of 2014 either in Pakistan or UAE as well agreed to appoint focal points to discuss establishment of joint committee for consular affairs.

UAE-Pakistan Energy Cooperation
UAE is one of the leading Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East and North Africa country in terms of renewable energy production. It has vast expertise, financial resources and a strong political commitment to achieve the desired goals of at least 7 percent of renewable energy mix (solar, wind, thermal, geothermal, nuclear, biomasses) in the days to come. Masdar is the icon of solar and wind energy productivity in the region as well as in the world. Since Pakistan has acute energy deficit in the country for so many years, addressing a joint news conference H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said there was huge potential to cooperate and coordinate in the energy sectors, especially the renewable energy and the UAE would be looking at ways and means to develop this sector in Pakistan in the days to come. It is predicted that brotherly country UAE’s cooperation in alternative energy i.e. solar energy would pay its dividends in the days to come.

He said relations between the two countries were diverse, encompassing political, economic and cultural dimensions as well as people to people contacts. The UAE minister was appreciative of the role being played by more than 1.5 million Pakistanis in the development of his native country.

UAE’s Private Sector Energy Cooperation with Pakistan

1. Dubai-based ANC
UAE and Pakistan signed a $2.5 billion agreement for production of 1320 MW electricity from coal in the country. The agreement was signed between Dubai-based state-owned Arab National Company and Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), a subsidiary of Pakistan’s water and power ministry. While attending the singing ceremony Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif termed the agreement “a milestone in the path towards energy self-reliance.” Pakistan has the 7^th largest country coal reserves in the world with 186 billion tons. Almost all of those reserves are found in the southern desert area of Thar.

2. Aqili Group, Dubai
In March (2014), a memorandum of understanding was signed between Al Aqili Group, Dubai, and the ministry of water & power government of Pakistan. According to the agreement, the Aqili Group has expressed interest to supply 3000MW of electricity to Pakistan from Iran under a long term contract. The group shall also finance/build transmission lines to inject 3000MW into the national grid in Pakistan.

Al Aqili Group is rated amongst world’s top group of companies and has a number of high profile partnerships with many prominent multinationals. The Group has successfully established an extensive network of relationships with the business communities, financial institutions and government in all its operating geographies.

3. Dexterite
Moreover, Dexterite a UAE-based company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Board of Investment (BOI). It would help in distribution system of electricity and this firm would work out as to what investment was required in our distribution companies and what kind of assistance they could provide to our distribution companies.

According to the agreement, the ANC will set up two coal power plants with a capacity of 660 MW each in the coastal town of Gadani, some 60 Kilometers off the port city of Karachi. The company will also construct a jetty along with the construction of the power projects. The agreement is aimed at overcoming a simmering energy crisis that has crumbled the already shaky economy of Pakistan.

Appointment of focal persons
In order to increase the volumes of bilateral trade between the two countries, focal persons have been appointed for cooperation in the shipping sector and a MoU was also inked between the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and Securities and Commodities Authority of the UAE.

Details of UAE-Pakistan 11^th JMC
During the UAE-Pakistan 11^th JMC many meaningful sessions were held. Following sectors and segments of economic ties, financial cooperation, prospects of availing FTA, energy cooperation, education and the last but not the human capital exports were thoroughly discussed.

(a) Trade & commerce, investment and bilateral trade: Both sides agreed
to further enhance the volumes of bilateral trade, inflows of FDI and joint ventures.

(b) Holding of the Pak-UAE Joint Business Council meeting: It was decided to hold it in
the next year.

(c) Status of FTA with GCC Countries: The government of Pakistan requested
to gain the FTA status with GCC where UAE is an important country.

(d) Finance & Banking: UAE banking and financial system is strong, stable and sustainable sustainable. The government of Pakistan needs further enhancing of finance & banking cooperation for the best of its economy and production channels.

(e) Energy Sector: Loan for Neelum Jhelum Hydro Project for $200 Million and investment
of Oil & Gas Sector in Pakistan were thoroughly discussed and pledged.

(f) Education: UAE is now the hub of higher education due to which avenues were explored
in this field too.

(g) Exports of Human Capital & Visas: The exports of manpower and relaxation of visa management were also discussed and the UAE side promised to resolve these issues. UAE has won the bid of holding World Expo 2020 due to which much mega infrastructural development is being carried in many parts of the UAE, so exports of manpower is bright from Pakistan.

(h) Security: Both sides shared commonalities on the regional and global security issues.

(i) Science & Health Sectors: UAE has become an icon of science and health sectors. It is leading country in medical tourism in the GCC and MENA. The government of Pakistan requested further extending of mutual cooperation.

(j) Civil Aviation, Port & Shipping: UAE has become ideal destination of tourism, hospitality. Its civil aviation sector is leading the regional as well as the globe. Its port & shipping sector has the ability to shake the GCC and MENA. Prospects of mutual cooperation in these sectors were thoroughly discussed.

Keeping in view the emerging socio-economic, geo-political and geo-strategic emerging red-lines and irritants in the region and especially in the MENA, further consolidation of bilateral relations and continuous consultations at the highest levels are must to impasse all the difficult phases in order to achieve a progressive, productive and prosper future for both the countries.

UAE: The Biggest Trading Partner
The UAE is a global trading hub and a major trading partner of Pakistan and both countries are keen to further boost and strengthen bilateral trade ties. Bilateral trade between the two countries has crossed $10 billion mark and the UAE has become the largest trading partner of Pakistan too.

According to an official figures, trade between the two countries is increasing day by day it has surpassed $US 10 billion during 2012-2013. The following given table shows the volumes of bilateral trade between the two countries.

It is evident from the above table that UAE has the comparative advantage in bilateral trade volumes which should be gradually rectified by diversifying our exports mix, trade priorities and, preferences with the help of UAE better commercial diplomacy.

According to State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Pakistani exports to the UAE have been rising in recent years. The exports increased from Rs.55 billion in FY-2009 to Rs.206 billion in FY-2013. The SBP says, its share of exports to the UAE was eight percent worldwide in FY-14.

In addition to mentioned above, the horticulture sector of Pakistan has the potential to capture sizeable share in UAE markets but unfortunately Pakistan’s exports of horticulture products to UAE were almost inexistent which needs to be developed. Value-addition and diversification of exports mix would brighten UAE-Pakistan bilateral trade in the days to come.

Further Strengthening of UAE-Pakistan Bilateral Trade (Futuristic Approach)

FTA: A Catalyst for UAE-Pakistan Bilateral Trade Composition
It is predicted that the mutual trade volumes can also be enhanced by finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or FTA between the UAE and Pakistan as well as the rest of the region by among others trade promotion measures. An FTA will reduce the tariff rates on traded goods and services to the advantage of producers, exporters-importers and the consumers at large.

Pakistan Ministry of Commerce (2013-14)
According to Pakistan Ministry of commerce (2013-14) total trade volume between Pakistan and UAE was $9 billion, of which Pakistan’s total imports stood at $6 billion while products worth $3 billion were being exported, depicting a trade deficit of $3 billion but this deficit offsets as Pakistan received workers’ remittances of $3 billion from UAE.

Pakistan Consulate, Dubai (2014)
According to Pakistan Consulate, Dubai (2014) the food product exports of Pakistan to the UAE stood around $400 million in 2013 and will cross $0.5 billion mark this year as the country expects the ban on its poultry products that are exported to the UAE to be lifted soon. UAE’s global imports market is expected to grow by $5.5 billion in 2015 and by will reach to $7 billion in 2020. UAE imported $3.6 billion food in 2010. UAE’s being the Mena regions’ trading hub (UAE ports account for a 61 percent majority of trade volume among the GCC countries), will be an ideal re-export destination for Pakistan food industry. Moreover, as per the Economist Intelligence Unit, the “UAE’s halal food imports are expected to contribute a 15 percent of the total GCC imports by 2020, so Pakistan would increase its exports to UAE in the days to come.

Main Exchange of Commodities (Imports-Exports)
UAE is the biggest re-exporter of many edible commodities. Its service sector provides each and every possible facility to increase the volumes of imports-exports.

UAE: The Biggest Foreign Investor
Foreign direct investment (FDIs) is crucial for economic survival and industrial production. It is the effective tool for job generation and value addition. According to the data of SBP and Board of Investment (BOI), the UAE is the biggest investors in Pakistan. Its collective investment in the country has reached to $US 21 billion in 2012-2013. Moreover, in the last decade, UAE merged as the biggest investor in Pakistan. The major proportions of the UAE investments (private & public) came from banking, telecommunication, information technology, ICT, electronics, real estate, agricultural and corporate farming.

Pakistan’s Investments in UAE
According to the Ministry of Economy, Currently, 7,000 Pakistani companies and 12 trade agencies operate out of the UAE. According to Pakistan Embassy UAE (2014) the investments of Pakistanis have reached to $ 25 billion (Rs.84 billion) in UAE.

Investments by Pakistani nationals in the UAE totalled $23 billion (Dh84.4 billion) while the UAE’s trade with Pakistan have reached $9 billion (Dh33 billion. According to Dubai Land Department’s 2013 figures, Pakistani investors were third highest buyers among foreigners of property in the emirate’s Dh114 billion transactions last year. In Q1 2014, DLD said Pakistani investors spent around Dh2 billion to buy property in the emirate.

UAE Private Companies in Pakistan
More than 27 UAE companies are working in Pakistan. These are actively participating in the socio-economic prosperity of Pakistan. These have already elevated the levels of production, service and value-addition. Detail is given below as:

Prospects of Joint ventures
In the modern economic system joint ventures play very important role in uplifting macro-economy growth rates, industrial production pace, value-addition and qualitative development in the given country.

(a) Petroleum and petroleum products: The import bill of Pakistan always on higher side due to its heavy reliance of oil. Prospects are high to take initiative in this sector.

(b) Aluminum products: Construction boom in the GCC and UAE would brighten the chances of mutual cooperation.

(c) Agriculture (horticulture, corporate agricultural farming, dairy farming and livestock): Food and energy sectors are one of the main emerging issues of the UAE economic diversification policy. Pakistan may assist its brotherly country. Even now many private firms of the UAE are investing in the high protein cattle food named Alaph in Pakistan.

(d) Islamic Banking: UAE and especially Dubai has become regional and global hub of Islamic Economy. Policy measures must be taken to excel in this field.

(e) Construction: Prefabricated houses and affordable low income houses are the basic requirement in the country.

(f) Energy: Pakistan is an energy deficit country which has already damaged our socio-economic fabric. Chances are very high in the energy cooperation especially in alternate energy i.e. solar and wind. Masdar would be game changer.

UAE: The Biggest Worker Remittances Source
In the times of national constant budgetary deficits, a worker remittance is the hope of the last resort. According to latest report of the SBP (2014) overseas Pakistani workers remitted an amount of $5,275.61 million in the first four months July to October of the current fiscal 2013-14 showing a growth of 6.27 percent when compared with $4,964.21 million received during the same period of last fiscal year July-October FY13.

Every year, the 1.5 million Pakistanis working in the UAE send the valuable remittances surpassing to $2.5 billion due to which UAE has now the biggest country of the Pakistani worker remittances in the world. It shows the close trade & commerce relations between the two countries.

UAE Aid
Pakistan remained one of the biggest recipients of UAE aid in the wake of different earthquakes, IDP’s of Swat and recent flood devastations. UAE also extended its financial assistance for Pakistan’s development projects and meeting budgetary deficits. The UAE is also a major investor in Pakistan’s key sectors like oil and gas, telecommunications, real estate, aviation, banking and energy.

UAE Aid to IDPs
Once again, the UAE stood with the government and its people in the time of national crises and President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed to provide urgent humanitarian aid and food supplies valued at US$ 2.5 million to 50 thousand families in displaced persons camps in the Bannu district of Pakistan. The administration of the UAE Pakistan Assistance Program (UAE-PAP) implemented directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in letter and spirit.

According to UAE administrative officials said that the aid comes within the framework of the generous initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, his continuous efforts to help the poor and needy all over the world and to provide them with a respectable and decent life.

The UAE-PAP said that 3,550 tonnes of food rations has already been distributed in the form of food baskets each containing various food products such as flour, rice, dates, sugar, salt, lentils, oil and tea, sufficient for one family has been delivered to help protect against hunger and malnutrition in the coming period.

UAE Humanitarian Diplomacy towards Pakistan
Charity is a noble cause and the UAE has been one of the main countries of this kind of economic development around the globe. It has multiplier socio-economic effects. It is people-friendly and anti-poverty measure which has been one of the main pillars of the UAE foreign policy’s global humanitarian assistance drive. President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a pioneer in humanitarian work around the globe. Since its inception Pakistan has been remained main focus of its global humanitarian drive.

1. Dubai Cares holistic quality learning programme
During 2014, Dubai Cares announced 3-year Dh17 million holistic quality learning programme in Pakistan. Dubai Cares, the UAE-based philanthropic organisation working towards tackling poverty through education in developing countries, yesterday announced a new Dh 17 million (USD 4,614,533) holistic quality learning programme in Pakistan at the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) 2014. Dubai Cares would implement the programme in partnership with Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA), a long-standing collaborator in Pakistan.

The new programme, which aligns with and supports the UN Secretary-General’s 5 year Global Education First Initiative, would promote education transitions from pre-primary to primary school for children, especially girls and vulnerable groups, and provide accelerated learning for thousands of out-of-school children. The 3-year programme will directly benefit 385,800 school children across the Sindh and Punjab regions as well as two regions in Baluchistan.

UAE Model of Global Philanthropy
The UAE model of philanthropy is not based on exchange of goods or services. It is totally deviated from the “warm glow” theory and “perfect altruism”. It is based on pure humanity and different humanitarian assistance programs. Charities can nurture local economic growth as well as social capital. According to many latest research studies/reports charities are not just part of the solution to existing Europe’s social problems; they also have a role to play in solving our economic problems too. Moreover, its extended spirits for the wellbeing of underprivileged communities and struggling people with harsh geography, conflicts, and natural calamities are paying dividends. Its diversified but integrated social development projects in the country and especially the ongoing UAE-PAP projects are changing the lives of so many people in the far-flung areas.

UAE Generous foreign Assistance Drive’s Multiplier Effects
UAE has its own unique model of foreign assistance which is based purely on humanity, sacrifice, generosity and above all cooperation. It has been distributing generous foreign assistance beyond the parameters of religion, ritual, race and color. According to UAE official data, Pakistan received Dh354.1 million during 2012-2013.

UAE Global Humanitarian Assistance Programs
The government of the UAE under the visionary leadership of his President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been rigorously engaged in many diversified programs of humanitarian assistance in the different parts of the world and “the UAE’s project to assist Pakistan” (UAE-PAP) is one of the prime examples. It has been gigantic effort “turning tears into smiles”. UAE is now the second largest non-DAC donor of humanitarian aid since 2004.

Significance of UAE-PAP
Upon the directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan the President of UAE, “the UAE-PAP was initiated in January 2011 at a total cost of US$100 million for the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by devastating floods and natural calamities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Bajaur and South Waziristan districts of the tribal belt. The projects were started to provide better life to the local people by creating jobs. The said projects focused education, public health, roads, bridges and supply of water treatment plants and networks.

Right from the beginning, UAE-PAP has been changing the lives of the poor and vulnerable people in the country. It pledges qualitative life by providing, education, clean drinking water, health and the last but not the least infrastructure facilities. It upholds social nets in the difficult areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Bajaur and South Waziristan districts of the tribal belt.

It portrays the kindness and generosity of the UAE, its leaders, charities, financial instructions and of course people. It upholds the love and affection of the UAE towards Pakistan and its people. It shows signs of hope, inspiration and the last but not the least, life. It displays the true picture of humanity, commitment, sacrifice and perfection. It widens the horizons of mutual cooperation in the diverse fields of economy, human resource development, education, science & technology and the last but not the least, political cooperation.

UAEPAP is indeed a blessing for the country and especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Bajaur and South Waziristan districts. It effectiveness is unparalleled. Long live the friendship of Pakistan-United Arab Emirates.

Tools for Sustainable Development
Till now, over 100 projects worth millions of dollars focusing on major areas of social development including health, education, water and infrastructure have been completed which are significantly contributing to the development of these sectors in these areas.

UAE-PAP Development Plans
According to a report of the UAE-PAP, the program includes the building and equipping of 53 state-of-the-art educational projects, 43 schools and 10 colleges. It has worked along a comprehensive redevelopment plans that take into account the harsh geography and the rough weather conditions of the region.

i. Health
In the field of health, the said projects embrace the building, equipping and maintenance of 7 hospitals and clinics in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and South Waziristan. Two of these, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Hospital and Sheikha Fatima bin Mubarak Hospital, are specialized maternity and pediatric hospitals to provide health-care and emergency services for women and children. Moreover, the (UAEPAP) launched the final phase of its seven valuable projects relating to healthcare in the different parts of the country i.e. Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and South Waziristan.

Best available health care system/facilities
According to its officials these projects would be an icon in the field of health care in these areas. The projects are constructed and completed at a cost of over US$17.1 million. The directorate of the UAEPAP is hoped that it would provide best possible available health care system/facilities to people living in war-ravaged areas of the KPK province. State-of-the-art hospital in Bajaur has now been completed while the other six healthcare centers/units/ hospitals are expected to be completed during the current year 2013. The said projects include four modern hospitals, two clinics and a medical institute in Pakistani remote areas which lack the basic healthcare services.

A Noble Cause
These projects stand for a noble cause of protecting the children, women and men from the virulent diseases, seasonal infectious illness and natural catastrophes if any. It would provide them first-aid facilities, nursing, surgery, child health care along with all other diversified medications and health care facilities. Special attention is given to old-aged people and infants. Two of these four hospitals, the 100-bed Sheikh Khalifa Specialised Hospital are under construction in Saidu Sharif, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and the 50 bed Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Hospital in Shulam area of South Waziristan. The modern medical institute will serve two hundred male and female students. The facilities will be fully-equipped to treat patients in the poor areas.

Sheikh Khalifa Hospital
Moreover, the Sheikh Khalifa Hospital will be first in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province having ambulance helicopter. Hopefully, it would enhance medical efficiency by reducing distances and crucial time limits to reach at the doors of the hospital through the facility of ambulance helicopter.

Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Hospital
The Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Hospital in Shulam features South Waziristan’s first dialysis centre, first preventive medicine centre and first children’s immunization center. It would introduce the concept of healthy living in the people living in these areas where health consciousness is neglected. It would control the occurring of the fatal diseases relating to kidney, liver, gastro, stomach, digestive system, gut and many more.

Bajaur Hospital
The 70-bed Bajaur hospital consists of a dialysis centre, an electroencephalograph (EEG) unit, two quarantine units, two operating rooms as well as wards for chest diseases, skin diseases and emergency and outpatient clinics to serve a population of 800,000 people of the underprivileged region. According to medical practitioners, the said hospital would keep the people healthy by taking care of their sinking and dysfunctional hearts. The chest diseases consisting of respiratory system disorder, minor deformities, and of course the inefficiency of the chest wall and muscular action of the intercostal muscles and diaphragm along with obstacles in proper ventilation will be checked thoroughly at the said hospital.

ii. Clean Drinking Water
With the aim of providing clean water and protecting people against diseases and epidemics, about 70 drinking water supply projects have been accomplished, 44 of them in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and 20 in the South of Waziristan region.

iii. Development of Infrastructure

Sheikh Khalifa Bridge
Sheikh Khalifa Bridge has been rebuilt over Swat River damaged by flood. The 330-metre bridge serves 70 thousand people which represents an architectural icon and a tourist destination with its unique design that resembles Abu Dhabi’s Al Maqta’ Bridge and its historic fort.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Road, funded by Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, is one of the most important infrastructure projects in the South Waziristan. It is a strategic project stretching from the city of Wana to Angor Adda. The 50-kilometers road, with its 5 over passing bridges, is of strategic importance for transportation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

iv. Education
Furthermore, “the UAE-PAP” inaugurated another new preparatory school in Kalam village, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, for further supporting of educational development in the province. It is hoped that the newly established Haryati School will serve 225 male and female students from prep to primary levels. The multi-purpose school building consists of eight class rooms, a computer lab and administration bloc.

Jahanzeb Post Graduate Degree College (JPC)
During 2014, to support Pakistan’s educational system, the UAE Project to Assist Pakistan officially inaugurated the Jahanzeb Post Graduate Degree College (JPC), the oldest educational institution in Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, marking the completion of the reconstruction of the institution at a cost of US$1.209 million.

The UAE Project to Assist Pakistan (UAE PAP), in collaboration with Pakistan Army, reconstructed JPC, which was established in 1952 to grant degrees in 7 disciplines, and it accommodates 300 students. JPC was rebuilt on an area of 3,577 square meters to house modern academic departments. The facility has a main lecture auditorium, 10 classrooms, 4 laboratories, 16 teaching and administrative staff offices and an administration building.

Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Army (COAS)
In his remarks at the inauguration ceremony, Chief of Staff of the Pakistan Army (COAS) General Raheel Sharif, expressed thanked President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his constant support for Pakistan through his generous humanitarian initiatives which have their focus on human development and contribute to efforts to boost several sectors such as education, healthcare, water, transport and road networks. He affirmed that the people of Pakistan will always remain grateful for the genuine humanitarian attitudes of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed who spares no efforts to support the humanitarian causes of the people of Pakistan at times of crisis.

General Sharif also inaugurated a post graduate college and a paramedical institute at Saidu Sharif. These projects were completed by Pakistan Army Engineers as part of the post operation reconstruction phase under the UAE Pakistan Assistance Programme (UPAP).

UAE Medical Diplomacy (vaccination campaign against polio)
UAE is one of the leading destinations of medical tourism in GCC and MENA. It carried out many diversified medical campaigns in different parts of the world and is also rigorously engaged in its brotherly country Pakistan. It has been successful in transforming sick societies and people alike in the country.

UAE gigantic Vaccination Campaign against Polio
On its part, the UAE has already initiated a gigantic vaccination campaign against polio in different parts of the country. It is being carried out in implementation of the directives and initiatives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to support the health sector in Pakistan, the U.A.E. Project to Assist Pakistan, U.A.E. PAP, has announced the start of the U.A.E. vaccination campaign against polio, which is targeting 3.6 million children in Pakistan. Till today, more than 13 million people have been vaccinated in the country which is a great achievement on behalf of U.A.E.-PAP.

UAE Global Drive of Polio Eradication
Recent initiative of vaccination campaign against polio in Pakistan is the part and parcel of the UAE global drive to eradicate polio in the world under the leadership of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E. Armed Forces.

First Stage of Vaccination Campaign against Polio
In its first stage in the Bara district of Khyber Agency, where no vaccination campaign has been implemented since 2009, the two day campaign last weekend resulted in positive results in covering 279 villages, giving vaccinations to 42,047 children aging from one day up to five years.

Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Development and International Cooperation affirmed that the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to launch the U.A.E.’s vaccination campaign against polio to over 3.6 million Pakistani child, strengthened the great humanitarian image of the UAE’s leadership, which spared no efforts to support the needy people.

According to Minister, directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa have become a turning point in the preservation of millions of lives globally and specially children in Pakistan too.

In her remarks on the occasion of the launch of the vaccination campaign, Sheikha Lubna said,” The UAE, again, is enticing the whole world’s attention through directives of Sheikh Khalifa and a follow-up of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, which was represented in the UAE’s pledge to donate AED 440 million as support to the global effort to eradicate polio by 2018. The donation is considered the second one to deliver life-saving vaccines to children all over the world through cooperation with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

“The directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa to launch the campaign in Pakistan comes as a translation to the U.A.E.’s efforts and its good reputation which attracted the appreciation and admiration of the whole world as well as consolidating human partnership between the U.A.E. and all peoples around the world” she further added.

Noor Dubai’s Mobile Eye Camp in Pakistan
Noor Dubai Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Dubai, successfully operated and its mobile eye camp in Jhelum, Pakistan. Funded by Dubai Islamic Bank, the week-long camp was a success despite the heavy rains and floods that took place during the same period.

A large number of people underwent surgery to regain their eyesight and more than 3600 patients were screened in Jhelum.

It was the first mobile eye-camp that Noor Dubai conducted during 2014 and the third in Jhelum and ninth in Pakistan. The camp in Pakistan witnessed overwhelming response from patients of all ages, many of whom travelled long distances for this opportunity. According to figures from the World Health Organization (WHO), 6 percent of visually impaired individuals live in Pakistan.

UAE-Pakistan Navies Bilateral Exercise Nasl-al-Bahr
Joint Pakistan Navy (PN) UAE naval exercise NASL Al BAHR meaning “Sea Blade” was conducted in Pakistani waters from April 20 to 26 2014.

Two UAE ships namely ABU DHABI and AL HESEN along with maritime patrol aircraft DASH-08 and Special Force elements participated in the exercise with Pakistan Navy.

The exercise would provide an opportunity for both navies to share experience, refine tactical doctrines/procedures and progressively enhance its scope.

Being the first ever bilateral exercise of this stature, NASL Al BAHR was a landmark reflection of the historic ties between PN and UAE navy, he said.

It was also a true manifestation of convergence in strategic interests of the two very important countries in the region which will go a long way for promoting maritime security and stability in the region, he added.

PN and UAE (N) have been interacting since long however, exercise NASL AL BAHR was unique in the context of its expanded scope and more focused objectives covering the entire spectrum of multifaceted maritime operations involving surface, air and Special Forces elements.

During the exercise, PN and UAE(N) ships, aircrafts and special forces jointly orchestrated the full spectrum of maritime operations ranging from conventional warfare exercise like above water warfare, Command post exercise, table discussions and workshops on professional issues, tactical games, manoeuvres, search and rescue exercise etc. to countering variety of asymmetric threats at sea.

Concluding Remarks
United Arab Emirates and Pakistan are strategic partners. Bilateral relations would be further enhanced by initiating meaningful policy measures in the fields of energy production/supply, food security, civil aviation and banking & finance. Enhanced cooperation in the fields of alternative energy especially the solar energy would be game changer in the bilateral relations of both the countries. Effective commercial diplomacy would provide both the countries a win-win position. Since UAE has won the World Expo 2020, immediate demands are likely in the sector of construction material, including cement, tiles, sanitary wares, wooden material, building material, furniture, electrical goods, carpets and skilled manpower, etc.

The UAE remarkable multi-sector development is a modern-age wonder. Indeed, the nation has come a long way since its inception. Diversification of economy promoted massive industrialization in the country due to which oil share to GDP has been gradually on the decrease.

Health care system is the best in the GCC, MENA and of course world. The UAE government has achieved commendable progress in the healthcare sector, making substantial efforts to provide modern medical facilities to Emiratis and expatriates alike. Healthcare is one of the foremost sectors where hundreds of hospitals and thousands of polyclinics have been established all over the Emirate. It has now become convenient for middle- and low-income class to avail the best of medical facilities. Specialist Hospitals in metro cities possess technologically advanced healthcare facilities and world’s best qualified doctors.

In UAE the writ of the state and effective judicial system are upheld with high reverence. Governments across the world should learn due lessons from these high-standards of governance. Even the West acknowledges that the security and safety across UAE are par excellence. Expatriates truly feel privileged to have been able to work, live and raise a family in a safe and stable environment throughout the UAE. They are happy to note the economic, social and technological developments of the UAE. It has become the ideal choice to work and plan a career among the Arab youth.

UAE’s banking system is stable and resilient. Compared internationally, the Emirate banking industry is highly sophisticated offering state-of-the art products and services in both consumer and corporate sectors. UAE banks are world’s most-capitalized and offer fully automated and secured banking platforms. Its prudent regulatory system has saved it from any kind of credit crisis in the country even in the ongoing global economic and financial crises. The robust Emirate banks have played a key role to support and enhance the UAE s economic growth consistently since its inception 1971.

Islamic banking/finance has come a long way and has established its credibility among the international financial community. The World Bank and IMF consider “Shariah-based banking” a viable substitute to the conventional Western banking system. UAE and especially its financial hub has become the epicenter of Islamic economy (Islamic banking/finance). UAE definitely has the capacity to spearhead the growth of Islamic banking across the world in the days to come.

UAE has knowledge based economy which is expanding phenomenally. It has been rated as first in “Doing of Business” by the World Bank latest report. Its strong economy, growing liquidity, and buoyant purchasing power has huge potential for inter-GCC trade through establishment of regional economic zones and free trade agreements.

Thanks to the visionary policies of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Emirati women are now highly educated and dynamic. They are fulfilling their duties toward socio-economic development of the Emirate. Their participation in the elections and induction in FNC is a constructive step enabling them to put-in their share for the Emirate’s socio-economic development. They are the pride of its corporate, governance, banking, finance, insurance, nursing, teaching, public relations and the last but not the least, security (armed forces).

Right from the beginning, the UAE institutionalized the holy spirits of tolerance, peace, respect for others, inter-faith harmony and protection of “Human Rights” for the Emiratis and expatriates on equal basis. There is no discrimination of any kind in its society, civility, law, politics and governance. Due to which now UAE has more than 200 nationalities living and working side-by-side in the country. Expatriates are grateful to Emirate from all walks of life, for their warm appreciation and acceptability of the expatriates.

UAE has already initiated many diversified reforms as well as policies for the further enhancing of its national capacity building, better governance, people friendly mechanism and the last but not the least, restructuring of labour market and laws. Implementation of “online e-Government” has introduced the concept of accountability, performance orientation and conflict resolution in all the related departments and ministries in the country. It has already improved the efficiency of all the government functionaries and benefited to the trio of government ministries, local employers, and expatriate workers in the country.

Thanks again to the visionary policies of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in education sector due to which now Emiratis are highly educated, innovated and vigorous. Its education system at nurseries, primary schools, colleges (technical & arts) and universities is a unique balance of teaching modern social and physical sciences, medical, and professional courses. Nowhere in the Muslim world can one find such an education development and supportive environment in such a short span of time.

UAE has also unmatched infrastructural development in the GCC, MENA and even in the world. The ongoing large-scale development of airports and railway, the expansion of telecommunication and logistics, the construction of industrial cities along with the launch of so many sports, medical, and financial cities will further increase its world ranking as one of the top industrialized countries in near future.

UAE is one of the most connected countries in the world. Its mobile market is already the most competitive in the GCC and MENA. Mobile phone penetration is very high almost two subscriptions per individual and the emerging broadband market offer exponential growth for the Emirate telecoms industry in the coming days.

Most recently, the cabinet of UAE has approved “UAE ICT Strategy 2021”. It would increase broadband 15 times. It is one of the main pillars of its knowledge based economy. It has multiplier effects on socio-economic growth as well as national income of the UAE in the days to come. It would speed-up education ratios among the common people. It would promote connectivity which is crucial for rapid economic growth and massive industrialization. It would increase social awareness, sense of duties and responsibilities. It is a counterproductive development strategy which would definitely pay its dividends in the days to come. It is estimated that in near future, the IT spending will multiply and the IT sector will positively support the Emirate’s growth.

UAE is the leading player in the green technologies. Its strategic vision of renewable energy production has achieved great success throughout the world. Renewable energy gears the pace of development. It guarantees the survival of humanity on this planet. It protects the dreams of socio-economic prosperity, stability and sustainability. It provides essential inputs of industrial productivity, generation of employment, reduction of poverty and above all promotes qualitative life and renewable/alternative energy is a value-addition.

UAE has been supplying energy for the development of global economy for over five decades. The United Arab Emirates has the 10 percent of the world’s oil reserves and 3.3 percent of the world’s gas reserves which are depleting with the passage of time. Its renewables icon, Masdar leads the GCC, MENA and the world. Masdar City (solar energy project) is a key element of the “Abu Dhabi 2030 Plan” and the government of Abu Dhabi’s strategic policy framework. Shams-1 is the first full scale renewable energy plant in the Abu Dhabi and largest CSP plant in the world. It will generate 100 MW covering an area of 2.5 km, with plans to increase capacity to 2000 MW in the future. Hydrogen Power Abu Dhabi (HPAD) is a 60:40 joint venture between Masdar and BP to construct the world’s first commercial scale hydrogen fuelled power plant, utilising fossil fuel feed stock and CCS).

According to latest World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report (September, 2014), Emirate has tremendously excel in different categories in the world. It jumps 7 ranks in the latest Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015 issued by the World Economic Forum. It is the 12^th most competitive nation globally ahead of developed economies such as Canada, Denmark and South Korea. Overall, the UAE improved its performance in 78 indicators out of 114.

Under the leadership of The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, UAE macro-economy is constantly evolving due to which security and stability indicators are among the best in the world. The UAE ranks first for the absence of inflation and the absence organized crime globally, quality of roads on the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) for 2014-2015. It ranks second for the effectiveness of government spending, the government procumbent of advanced technology and the indicators of “impact of taxes on investment and lack of trade barriers globally. Emirate stands third in terms of absence of government bureaucracy, citizens’ confidence in the government and leadership, best infrastructure in the world, quality of ports, efficiency of customs procedures and the last but not the least, attracting professional talent in the country.

The United Arab Emirates overall performance in the latest edition of Global Competitiveness Report (2014-15) reflects the concerted and comprehensive national competitiveness strategy and its alignment with the economic and social objectives for the ultimate well-being and prosperity of the UAE.

UAE macro-economy is strong, stable and sustainable. Its rigorous commercial diplomacy has successfully increased its exports in all the continents of the world. It is a connecting destination between the east and west. It is diversified and dynamic. It banking system is resilient and progressive. Its Islamic economy/finance is healthy and productive. Its industrial sector is robust and achieved high standard of productivity. Its SME sector is upbeat and progressive. Its travel & tourism industry has comparative advantage and increase its contribution to GDP with every passing day.

Its political system is matured in shape of active role of Federal National Council (FNC) and holding of elections on regular basis which delivers the bounties of high economic growth to its people at large. It resolves towards terrorism is strong and valuable. Its conflict resolution drive is highly commendable. Its political commitment towards protection of human rights is crystal clear and above any discrimination and bigotry.

United Arab Emirates and Pakistan are strategic patterns which immediately require translation of its better political understanding in terms of strong, stable and sustained trade and commerce and economic ties in the near future.