Saudi Vs UAE: Why Pakistan Is Trapped Between Two Gulf Giants, What It Means For The Region | World News

Pakistan’s Gulf Diplomacy: Pakistan finds itself at the center of a widening rift between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke on the phone with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and reiterated solidarity. It also needs to maintain close ties with the UAE, which complicates its position.

Islamabad has long maintained strong relations with both countries. Defense and economic interests are deeply intertwined. Pakistan has largely remained silent on the ongoing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Saudi Arabia expects the country’s full support in Yemen.

Last year, Pakistan signed a bilateral defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. Despite this, he did not openly support Riyadh in its disputes with the UAE. During the recent conflict in Yemen, Pakistan offered only indirect support to Saudi Arabia. The military and Shehbaz Sharif’s government have refrained from direct action against UAE-backed forces, raising concerns about Riyadh’s discontent.

At the same time, Pakistan is seeking a broader alliance aimed at including Türkiye in a defense agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Pakistan plans to sell approximately $1.5 billion worth of weapons to Sudan. These weapons could be used against the UAE-backed Rapid Support Forces (RSF), highlighting the complex web of loyalties and interests that Islamabad must manage.

Stuck Between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi

Prime Minister Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s unity with Saudi Arabia during his meeting with Crown Prince Salman. But timing proved difficult. Islamabad faced a diplomatic challenge when Saudi forces struck UAE military assets in Yemen. At the same time, the UAE president was visiting Pakistan on a semi-official trip.

During the visit, the UAE announced a $1 billion investment in the Fauji Foundation, a military-run conglomerate, and plans to provide an additional $2 billion in loans.

Saudi Arabia appears to be closely monitoring Pakistan’s soft approach towards the UAE. Reports indicate that Islamabad has received both signals and warnings from Riyadh. Negotiations are continuing to turn the Saudi loan of approximately $2 billion into an agreement for JF-17 fighter jets. High-level meetings also took place between Pakistani and Saudi Air Force officials.

This week Pakistan faced a new challenge. Saudi Arabia has escalated military tensions by striking a UAE arms shipment bound for Yemen. Riyadh has accused Abu Dhabi of carrying out extremely dangerous actions that threaten the kingdom’s national security. Pakistan is currently under pressure to choose sides. The country is caught in a situation similar to eating milk and fish together, balancing two powerful allies with conflicting interests.

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