Shehbaz Sharif Meets UAE President: Is Pakistan Offering to Mediate in Saudi-UAE Tensions?

Islamabad: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level closed-door meeting with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Rahim Yar Khan on Tuesday. The meeting comes amid escalating tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, reportedly triggered by Saudi airstrikes on weapons shipments sent by the UAE to Yemen.

During the discussions, it is believed that Pakistan offered its mediation services to help ease the growing rift between the two Gulf powers. Experts suggest that Islamabad is aiming to assert its strategic importance in the region through this diplomatic initiative.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Initiative
According to News18, “The UAE has acknowledged Pakistan’s diplomatic effort, but any mediation would require consensus among the Gulf countries.” The statement underscores the sensitivity of the diplomatic engagement. Key points of discussion reportedly included bilateral strategic cooperation, regional security, and emerging challenges. Both leaders also addressed the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, including potential spillover risks, energy security concerns, and threats to maritime routes in the Red Sea and Gulf region.

Pakistan Expresses Willingness to Mediate
Reports indicate that the meeting highlighted Pakistan’s willingness to act as a mediator. In the coming days, Islamabad and Abu Dhabi are expected to continue high-level dialogue through secure diplomatic channels. Additionally, a senior Pakistani diplomatic and military delegation is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia and the UAE shortly.

Aiming to Be a Trusted Regional Partner
A senior intelligence source told CNN-News18 that Pakistan’s initiative is part of a broader strategy to maintain influence in the Gulf and present itself as a reliable regional partner. The source added that this effort also seeks to reassure Gulf allies of Pakistan’s credibility amidst its domestic political challenges.