‘Pakistanis in Dubai’ celebrates 200,000-member milestone

Expats' group hosts business summit in Ajman

Pakistanis in Dubai
Caption: Arshad Mehmood Ghulam Ali, Managing Director of Abu Ali Contracting Group, receives award from Hussain Mohammed, Pakistan's Consul General in Dubai.
Source: Supplied

AJMAN: The Pakistanis in Dubai (PID) group, the largest Pakistani social media community in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has been lauded for its remarkable contributions to community welfare and awareness in the UAE.

Recently, PID marked a significant milestone of 200,000 members by organising a high-profile business summit in Ajman.

The event brought together a diverse audience of Pakistani expatriates, aiming to foster innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth.

PID has been recognised by Meta for its impactful initiatives, reflecting its commitment to empowering the Pakistani diaspora through networking events, skill-building programmes, and forums that enhance economic and social ties.

From right to left: The Pakistanis in Dubai team members—Fahad Shahid, Filza Kiani, Zain Haider, Waleed Pervaiz, Nasir Bangash, Rida Arsalan, Nasar Gul Zaman, Rija Obaid, Syed Iftikhar, Muhammad Umer Farooq, Muhammad Zahaib Nabeel, and Rabeea Khan—pose together for a group photo.

Hussain Mohammed, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, commended PID for its evolution from a social media platform into a dynamic hub for the Pakistani community. Speaking at the event, he proposed the development of a data bank for Pakistani residents in the UAE, an initiative that could enhance engagement, collaboration, and support within the community.

“The contributions of Pakistanis to the UAE’s economy, culture, and social development are immense,” Mohammed remarked, highlighting recent advancements such as the establishment of the Pakistan Business Council in Sharjah. He thanked the UAE leadership for fostering a business-friendly environment that continues to benefit the Pakistani community.

Shahid Nadeem, Managing Director Zone Delivery Group, receives award from Pakistan's Consul General in Dubai Hussain Mohammed.

“It is our collective responsibility to contribute to the UAE’s development while strengthening the historic ties between our two nations. I congratulate PID and its 200,000 members on this outstanding achievement,” he added.

Mohammed also underscored the importance of summits like this, which showcase the talent, innovation, and collaborative potential of the Pakistani diaspora.

‘Pakistanis in Dubai’

The summit served as a platform for driving partnerships and showcasing the diverse contributions of Pakistani entrepreneurs and professionals.

One of the event's standout moments was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PID and the Pakistan Business Council Sharjah (PBCS). The agreement, signed by PID Founder and Chairman Nasir Bangash and PBCS Chairman Syed Saleem, aims to create new opportunities for Pakistani entrepreneurs in the UAE, strengthening their role in the region’s economic landscape.

Nasir Bangash, reflecting on the achievement, noted that the summit was a testament to the unity and resilience of the Pakistani community. “This gathering reflects the strength of our diaspora, and together we are creating limitless opportunities for success and collaboration,” he said.

Key Insights & Discussions

The summit featured a series of keynote addresses and panel discussions that explored themes of sustainability, economic growth, and community development. Influential speakers such as Iftikhar Hamdani, General Manager of Bahir Ajman Hotel, and Asma Usman from Etihad Town shared insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the Pakistani business community in the UAE.

Other prominent figures included Arshad Mahmood of Abu Ali Contracting Group, Shahid Nadeem of Zone Delivery Group, and Roman from Ingenious Digital Marketing. Their discussions underscored the importance of innovative thinking and collaboration in building a stronger future for the Pakistani diaspora.

Asma Usman and Gulraiz Iftikhar, Representative of Etihad Town, receive award from Hussain Mohammed, Pakistan's Consul General in Dubai.

Innovation and Talent

The business exhibition, a highlight of the event, brought together over 200 businesses, each presenting their unique products and services. This vibrant marketplace provided attendees with invaluable networking opportunities, enabling entrepreneurs and industry leaders to forge meaningful partnerships. The summit also highlighted the creative potential within the community, showcasing the talent and ambition that drives Pakistanis in the UAE to excel.

The event culminated in an awards ceremony, celebrating individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the Pakistani community. These awards underscored the collective impact of the diaspora in enhancing economic and cultural ties between Pakistan and the UAE.

Muhammad Abubaker  (2nd from R) receiving award from Ali Zeb, the Commercial Counsellor of Pakistan in the UAE, during the prestigious awards ceremony.

A bright future for Pakistani expats

As PID continues to grow, its efforts remain focused on empowering the Pakistani diaspora and creating platforms that enable collaboration and innovation. The group’s initiatives reflect the shared vision of Pakistanis in the UAE to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development while promoting the strengths of Pakistan on a global stage.