From Islamabad to Abu Dhabi: Why UAE’s India defence deal sends Pakistan into a frenzy | World News

New Delhi: Relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are becoming tense. Pakistani leaders have frequently sought loans and financial support from the UAE to keep the country’s struggling economy afloat. Islamabad has traditionally relied on Gulf support, but recent moves have changed regional dynamics.

After Pakistan strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE turned its attention to India. President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan recently visited New Delhi and signed a defense agreement. Shortly afterwards, Abu Dhabi withdrew from the Islamabad Airport deal.

This series of developments reportedly caused panic in the Pakistani leadership, prompting President Asif Ali Zardari to fly to Abu Dhabi without prior announcement.

He landed in Abu Dhabi on Monday for a four-day visit. His welcome was low-key, with the UAE’s justice minister on hand to welcome him. He was accompanied by Pakistani Interior Minister Muhsin Naqvi. Zardari is expected to hold talks with UAE officials on trade, economy, defense and security cooperation.

Pakistan appears keen to expand its influence in the Gulf under the pretext of regional security. It is reported that the Pakistani army is preparing to seek financial support in dollars from the Gulf countries during this period.

The UAE interpreted Pakistan’s military strategy and changed its priorities. He preferred strengthening ties with India. Pakistani media suggests that Zardari will discuss the changing political and economic scenario in West and South Asia.

While the UAE has historically helped Pakistan with economic aid and oil to prevent default, Pakistan’s turn to Saudi Arabia has caused a shift. UAE is Pakistan’s third largest trading partner.

Decades of investment in Dubai by the Pakistani military, politicians and businessmen, as well as the presence of 1.5 million Pakistani workers in the UAE, have historically made the two countries closely linked. The Pakistani military has also established a long-standing defense relationship by training UAE forces over the years.

Pakistan is establishing defense ties with Saudi Arabia and is in talks with Türkiye about creating a joint defense group called Islamic NATO.

Analysts point out that the tension between Türkiye and the UAE over the Muslim Brotherhood may have affected the UAE’s decision to prioritize India. UAE is moving forward with defense procurement from India.

President Mohammed bin Zayed’s recent visit to India demonstrated this strategy. By canceling the Islamabad Airport agreement, the UAE moved further away from Pakistan. Negotiations on the airport agreement had been ongoing since August 2025. Pakistani media, including The Express Tribune, reported that the UAE no longer showed interest in the Islamabad project.