Top Pakistani envoy engages with students at British University in Dubai
Ambassador Tirmizi’s lecture explores history, culture, and strategic cooperation between nations
DUBAI: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, paid a visit to the British University in Dubai (BUiD), where he was warmly welcomed by Vice Chancellor Professor Abdullah Alshamsi and members of the faculty.
During his visit, Ambassador Tirmizi delivered a compelling lecture to students, covering Pakistan’s cultural legacy, its dynamic youth population, and the depth of its diplomatic and economic ties with the United Arab Emirates.
The ambassador began by highlighting Pakistan’s deep-rooted heritage, tracing back to ancient civilisations such as the Indus Valley and Gandhara. He described the country’s diverse landscape – home to towering mountain ranges like the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush – boasting five of the world’s fourteen peaks that rise above 8,000 metres.
Youth and potential
Underscoring the country's demographic strength, Ambassador Tirmizi shared that 68 percent of Pakistan’s population is under the age of 30. This, he noted, represents immense potential for innovation and growth, particularly in fields such as science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
Turning to diplomatic relations, he discussed the over 70-year-long friendship between Pakistan and the UAE, rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and enduring cooperation. He paid homage to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recalling his landmark 1966 visit to Pakistan. Ambassador Tirmizi noted that Pakistan was the first nation to recognise the UAE upon its formation and has since played a vital role in the Emirates’ development – particularly in sectors including banking, agriculture, and aviation.
He highlighted the contribution of the 1.8 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, as well as thriving trade relations, with bilateral trade now surpassing Dh36.7 billion (over USD 10 billion). Recent high-level engagements – such as visits by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and senior UAE leaders – have bolstered cooperation through multiple Memorandums of Understanding across various sectors.
Cultural invitation
Ambassador Tirmizi concluded by encouraging students to embrace learning through reading and exploration. He extended an invitation to both faculty and students to visit Pakistan and experience first-hand its natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse culinary offerings.