English
English
English
A quiet decision by the UAE after its President’s brief Delhi visit has sent ripples across South Asia. A key Pakistan infrastructure proposal now appears to be off the table raising questions about shifting alliances and regional power plays.
Aftereffect of UAE President's 3-hour Delhi stop
New Delhi: In a significant setback for Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly abandoned its proposal to operate Islamabad International Airport, a plan that had been under discussion since August 2025.
The development comes shortly after UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s brief but high-profile three-hour stopover in New Delhi, sparking fresh geopolitical speculation in South Asia.
Bilateral Trade, Defence Cooperation: Key takeaways from UAE President’s India visit
According to a report by Pakistani daily The Express Tribune, the UAE decided to walk away from the airport operations proposal after failing to identify a suitable local partner to outsource management responsibilities. While the report does not explicitly cite political reasons, sources indicated that negotiations stalled in recent weeks, eventually leading to the proposal being dropped altogether.
The decision marks a missed opportunity for Pakistan, which had hoped that UAE expertise in airport management would help modernise and stabilise operations at Islamabad International Airport.
Although no official explanation has been provided by Abu Dhabi, the timing of the decision has drawn attention due to shifting dynamics among Gulf nations. Relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia once close allies have reportedly deteriorated, particularly over disagreements regarding support for rival factions in Yemen.
This divergence comes as Pakistan has moved closer to Saudi Arabia, signing a key defence agreement with Riyadh in September 2025 that treats an attack on one nation as aggression against both. Islamabad is also reportedly exploring broader military cooperation with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
In contrast, India-UAE relations have continued to strengthen. During President Mohamed bin Zayed’s recent visit to New Delhi, both countries signed a Letter of Intent aimed at concluding a Strategic Defence Partnership, signalling a deeper alignment on security and defence cooperation.
The visit also saw the UAE leader approve the release of 900 Indian prisoners, a move widely interpreted as a strong goodwill gesture. A joint statement issued after the meeting described the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as entering a more ambitious and multidimensional phase.
Pakistan and the UAE once shared close economic and defence ties, with the Gulf nation serving as a major source of trade, remittances and employment for Pakistani workers. However, the relationship has faced strain in recent years due to governance concerns, regulatory disputes and Pakistan’s ageing infrastructure.
Reports have also highlighted mismanagement and political interference in Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises, leading to losses and distress privatisations, including Pakistan International Airlines last year.
Despite the UAE’s experience in managing airports in challenging environments such as Afghanistan, its withdrawal from the Islamabad project signals a broader loss of confidence. Analysts view the move as emblematic of Pakistan’s diminishing appeal amid regional realignments and India’s growing strategic clout in the Gulf.
