Major setback for Pakistan: UAE drops plan to operate Islamabad airport amid shifting regional ties
PTC Web Desk: In a setback for Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly withdrawn from its proposal to operate Islamabad International Airport, ending discussions that had been ongoing since August 2025.
According to a report by Pakistani daily 'The Express Tribune', the plan was dropped after the UAE failed to find a suitable local partner to manage airport operations, despite showing initial interest. Sources cited by the newspaper said the proposal now appears to be off the table.
While no official political reason was given for the decision, the timing has drawn attention due to recent regional developments, particularly growing geopolitical shifts in South Asia and the Gulf region.
The reported withdrawal comes shortly after UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan’s brief but high-profile stopover in New Delhi, which made headlines across the region. Analysts believe the visit may have had wider geopolitical implications, indirectly impacting Pakistan.
At the same time, relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, once close Gulf allies, have shown visible strain. The two countries are reportedly backing rival factions in Yemen, leading to rare public disagreements between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.
Pakistan, meanwhile, has moved closer to Saudi Arabia. In September 2025, Islamabad and Riyadh signed a defence agreement that treats an attack on either country as an act of aggression against both. Reports have also spoken of Pakistan’s involvement in efforts to form a broader Islamic security alliance with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
In contrast, the UAE has taken a different path by strengthening defence ties with India.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed the signing of a Letter of Intent aimed at establishing a Strategic Defence Partnership. The move followed President bin Zayed’s visit to New Delhi, during which both leaders reviewed bilateral ties and agreed to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.
A joint statement issued after the meeting described the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as entering a more ambitious and multidimensional phase. One of the most notable outcomes was the decision to advance defence cooperation.
During the visit, the UAE also approved the release of 900 Indian prisoners, a gesture widely seen as a sign of growing trust and goodwill between the two countries.
Strain in Pak-UAE relations
Pakistan and the UAE once shared strong economic and strategic ties. For decades, the UAE was a major trade partner and an important source of remittances for Pakistan, with a large Pakistani workforce employed across sectors.
However, recent years have seen strains due to governance issues, licensing disputes, safety concerns and ageing infrastructure. A recent report highlighted heavy losses in Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises caused by political interference, leading to distress sales, including the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) last year.
- With inputs from agencies
