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UAE to Invest $1 Bln in Pakistani Companies

A general view shows Abu Dhabi's skyline in the Emirati capital, Jan. 24, 2022. (AFP)
A general view shows Abu Dhabi's skyline in the Emirati capital, Jan. 24, 2022. (AFP)
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UAE to Invest $1 Bln in Pakistani Companies

A general view shows Abu Dhabi's skyline in the Emirati capital, Jan. 24, 2022. (AFP)
A general view shows Abu Dhabi's skyline in the Emirati capital, Jan. 24, 2022. (AFP)

The United Arab Emirates intends to invest $1 billion in Pakistani companies across various sectors, the state news agency (WAM) reported citing an official source in Abu Dhabi.

The move aims to explore investment opportunities in the south Asian country, as well as expand the UAE-Pakistan bilateral relations.

It also emphasizes the keenness of Abu Dhabi and Islamabad to continue cooperation in various fields, which include gas, energy infrastructure, renewable energy, health care, biotechnology, agricultural technology, logistics, digital communications, e-commerce, and financial services.

The UAE's top 25 trading and strategic partners include Pakistan, and the UAE is Pakistan's second largest importer after India, with non-oil bilateral trade worth $4.4 billion in 2020.

UAE accounts for over 8% of Pakistan's foreign trade and is the third most important global trading partner.

Also, the UAE is one of Pakistan's top five export destinations and the first in the Arab world, with 10 percent of Pakistan's total imports coming from the Gulf country.

Direct Pakistani investments in the UAE amounted to more than 2.3 billion dollars at the end of 2019.

By the end of 2018, the UAE had invested 4.4 billion dollars in Pakistan. Currently, it ranks fourth among countries that invest in Pakistani markets.

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Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Boosts Food Security

An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)
An agricultural farm in Saudi Arabia (SPA)

Saudi Arabia is accelerating efforts to strengthen food security, a strategic objective rooted in the Kingdom’s founding and shaped by its desert geography and limited water resources.

As part of its Vision 2030, the Kingdom has placed food security among its top priorities, implementing a national strategy to boost local production and promote long-term agricultural sustainability.

The agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP rose to SAR114 billion ($30.4 billion) in 2024, up from SAR109 billion ($29 billion) the previous year, according to the latest Vision 2030 annual report.

Government support, particularly through the Agricultural Development Fund, has fueled the sector’s growth. Agricultural loans increased by 54% between 2018 and 2024, reaching SAR5 billion ($1.33 billion).

Saudi Arabia has achieved higher self-sufficiency rates across several key products. Domestic production in 2024 included 2.95 million tons of fruit, 3.38 million tons of vegetables, 1.83 million tons of grains, 399,000 tons of eggs, 2.7 million tons of milk, 274,000 tons of red meat, 1.15 million tons of poultry, 217,000 tons of fish, and 8,500 tons of honey.

Aquaculture has seen significant growth, with fish production rising from 40,000 tons in 2016 to over 246,000 tons in 2024, driven by investments in sustainable technologies and marine projects. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as an emerging regional hub for aquaculture.

The Kingdom’s progress reflects its long-term commitment to food security, supported by initiatives to enhance supply chains, stimulate private sector investment, and advance research and innovation in modern farming technologies. Authorities say the achievements so far signal Saudi Arabia’s ability to continue advancing toward self-sufficiency in a more resilient and sustainable agricultural environment.