Pakistan has strengthened its digital and technology ties with the UAE through its participation at GITEX Global 2025. The country’s dedicated pavilion at the event, which was officially inaugurated by Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, showcases Pakistan’s growing prominence as a global tech hub.
Showcasing Innovation at GITEX Global
The Pakistan Pavilion serves as a vital space for business-to-business (B2B) meetings, start-up displays, investment networking, and live technology demonstrations. It aims to enhance Pakistan’s footprint on the international tech stage. “Pakistan’s presence at GITEX Global reflects our confidence, our capability, and our commitment to a digitally empowered future under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” Minister Khawaja stated. “The Pakistan Pavilion represents not just our innovation but our invitation to the world to partner in growth,” she added.
The pavilion features 100 leading Pakistani tech companies, including 26 from the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). Ten start-ups are also presenting innovations, with the Ministry of IT backing them to attract global investment and partnerships.
Strengthening International Relationships
Pakistan’s recognition as “Tech Destination of the Year” at GITEX 2024 was a significant milestone, and the pavilion at GITEX Global 2025 further strengthens the country’s international presence.
During the event, Minister Khawaja met with several key figures, including Omar Suwaina Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. The discussions centred on Pakistan’s Digital Nation Pakistan Act, the National Data Exchange Layer, and initiatives aimed at promoting AI integration, smart governance, and a cashless economy. Both sides agreed to explore joint ventures in AI innovation, digital governance, and cross-border data collaboration.
In another meeting, Khawaja engaged with Massimo Falcioni, Chief Competitiveness Officer at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. The talks focused on bolstering digital investments, nurturing innovation, and enhancing technology partnerships between the UAE and Pakistan.
The minister also met with M. Muneeb Anjum, CEO of AHAD, to explore opportunities for strengthening Pakistan’s cybersecurity ecosystem and expanding collaboration with UAE-based technology partners.
Networking and Promoting Pakistan’s Digital Future
In the evening, the Pakistan Mission to the UAE, in partnership with the Ministry of IT, PSEB, and TDAP, hosted “Pakistan Night” at the Pakistan Association in Dubai. The event was attended by senior diplomats, Emirati officials, and business representatives, providing a platform to highlight Pakistan’s digital potential to international investors.
Ali Zeb Khan, Pakistan’s Trade Counsellor in Dubai, stressed the significance of such engagements in promoting IT exports and positioning Pakistan as a regional digital hub. Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi pointed to the ambition of growing IT exports from USD 4 billion to USD 100 billion through innovation and global collaboration, commending the Ministry of IT’s efforts to drive digital transformation.
Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, highlighted that the IT sector remains Pakistan’s fastest-growing industry, with an average annual growth rate of 20%.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Digital Growth
Minister Khawaja reaffirmed the government’s dedication to nurturing the IT ecosystem, with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, software development, and data processing. She also praised initiatives such as Ignite, which help start-ups access global opportunities. The Minister lauded Ambassador Tirmizi for his role in strengthening Pakistan-UAE technological and economic relations, further solidifying the foundation for future digital collaborations between the two nations.
For more on Pakistan’s role at GITEX Global 2025, click here.
