Pakistan, UAE explore ways to enhance collaboration in IT, digital infrastructure

• New UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem Alzaabi calls on Pakistan’s IT minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja in Islamabad
• Both sides discuss “stronger engagement” with Pakistani diaspora in UAE for partnerships, growth, says IT ministry

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and UAE Ambassador Salem Alzaabi on Thursday discussed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in digital infrastructure and technology-driven innovation, including stronger engagement with the Pakistani diaspora, the IT ministry said in a statement.

Pakistan has recently attempted to modernize its economy by accelerating IT exports and expanding digital services to attract foreign investment. The government has been strengthening digital infrastructure via partnerships with Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, supporting local tech startups and improving skills in areas such as AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing.

Alzaabi met Khawaja in Islamabad, where the two discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in information and communication technologies, emerging technologies, and digital transformation, the IT ministry said.

“During the meeting, both sides discussed avenues for collaboration in Pakistan’s digital development initiatives including technology-driven innovation, digital infrastructure and capacity building,” the ministry said.

“Both sides agreed that stronger engagement with the Pakistani tech diaspora can further accelerate cross-border partnerships and digital growth.”

Khawaja highlighted Pakistan’s expanding digital ecosystem and investment opportunities in the tech sector, highlighting the key role of Pakistani expatriates and tech entrepreneurs in driving innovation, investment and knowledge transfer between the two countries.

The statement said the IT minister highlighted how Pakistan has emerged as a global “tech destination,” driven by its young talent base, expanding startup ecosystem and pro-innovation policies.

Pakistan and the UAE are close allies, with their cordial ties rooted in shared faith and cultural values. The UAE is also Pakistan’s second-largest trading partner, a major investor in energy, ports, banking and logistics. It is home to a large Pakistani diaspora and after Saudi Arabia, is the second-largest source of remittances for the South Asian nation.

The Gulf nation is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States. Experts view the UAE as an ideal export destination by policymakers in Islamabad due to its geographical proximity to Pakistan.