Asad Ali's Blogs

  In a recent interview with Gulf News, Salman Iqbal, the President and CEO of ARY Digital Network, shared insights into his remarkable journey from the bustling gold markets of Dubai to leading a global media empire. Reflecting on his early days, Iqbal recounted how, after completing his studies in the United States, he returned to Dubai in 1993 to join his family's gold business. This period coincided with the launch of Dubai's Shopping Festival, where Iqbal played a pivotal role in introducing the Dubai Festival Gold Coin, a move that significantly boosted the city's reputation as the "City of Gold." Transitioning from gold to media, Iqbal embarked on a new venture in 1999 by launching Pakistan's first privately owned Urdu satellite television channel in 2000. Despite facing stiff competition from established networks, his commitment to showcasing Pakistani content paid off. Today, ARY Digital Network boasts a massive following, with 250 million viewers in ...

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, recently welcomed Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. This high-level meeting highlights the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations and their commitment to further strengthening ties. Both leaders engaged in discussions on a wide range of topics, focusing on mutual cooperation and regional developments. The UAE and Pakistan share a strong historical bond, built on cultural ties, trade, and strategic partnerships. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore new areas of collaboration, particularly in trade, investment, energy, and infrastructure development. Both countries recognize the importance of expanding their economic relationship to create more opportunities for growth and prosperity. Apart from economic cooperation, the leaders also discussed regional and global issues of common interest. Given the dyn...

The recent Pakistan-UAE Trade Conference highlighted the growing trade relationship between the two countries. Business leaders and government officials from both sides gathered to discuss trade opportunities and ways to strengthen economic ties. A key focus of the conference was the increasing demand for Pakistani products in the UAE market. Pakistani exports such as textiles, rice, fruits, vegetables, and meat are becoming more popular in the UAE. These products are known for their good quality and reasonable prices. Many UAE businesses expressed interest in increasing their imports from Pakistan to meet the needs of their growing population and diverse consumer base. The conference also discussed new opportunities in the construction and technology sectors. Pakistan’s skilled workforce and affordable services can support development projects in the UAE. Experts believe that stronger cooperation in these fields can benefit both countries in the long term. Pakistani businesses were en...

Pakistan-UAE Trade Conference 2025 was organized by Dubai and sponsored by the Commercial Section and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP). It was an icon event taking place at the Pakistan Association Dubai and brought together a large number of diverse international delegates, buyers, distributors, and Pakistani retailers visiting Gulfood 2025. The conference was organized with the objective of building bilateral trade relations and showcasing the export potential of Pakistan in the food and agro products sector. Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, along with senior officials from the Pakistan Consulate and other consulates, attended the event, underscoring the importance of diplomatic support in enhancing trade relations. The gathering served as a platform for fostering business-to-business partnerships between Pakistan and the UAE, highlighting the mutual benefits of collaboration in the food and beverage industry. In his opening remarks, Trade and Investment Counsellor Ali Z...

Bangladesh has decided to export 11,000 tonnes of Hilsa fish to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is a big step for the country as Hilsa is a special and popular fish in Bangladesh. It is loved not only in Bangladesh but also by many Bangladeshis living in other countries, especially in the Middle East. The government made this decision to meet the demand of Bangladeshi expatriates and others who enjoy Hilsa fish. Hilsa is an important fish for Bangladesh, both culturally and economically. It is often called the "King of Fish" and is a traditional dish in many households. People enjoy it during festivals, family gatherings, and special occasions. The export of Hilsa to Saudi Arabia and the UAE will allow Bangladeshis living there to enjoy their favorite fish, even when they are far from home. The decision to export Hilsa is also good for the economy of Bangladesh. Selling this fish to other countries will bring more money to the country. It will also help ...

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expressed deep concern over the ongoing situation in Palestine. Both countries are worried about the reports suggesting that Palestinians may be displaced from their homes. They believe that forcing people to leave their land is unfair and will only make the situation worse. The leaders of Pakistan and UAE have called for peace and justice for Palestinians. They have asked the international community to play a role in stopping the violence and preventing more suffering. Both nations agree that every human being deserves to live safely in their homeland. Pakistan and UAE believe that peace in the region can only be achieved if Palestinians are given their rights. They support the idea of a two-state solution, which means that Palestine should exist as an independent country alongside Israel. This is seen as the best way to bring long-term peace. The displacement of Palestinians would create more problems, such as increasing the number of ...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 to assist the residents of Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip. This initiative focuses on clearing debris and reopening roads that were obstructed due to recent conflicts. By removing rubble, the operation aims to make it easier for people to move around the city. The primary goal of this effort is to improve daily life for Rafah's residents. With cleared roads, transportation becomes more accessible, allowing citizens to carry out their routines with greater ease. This is especially important for those returning to their homes after being displaced. In addition to clearing roads, the UAE is working on repairing essential services in Rafah. One significant focus is the restoration of damaged water supply lines. Fixing these lines ensures that residents have access to clean water, which is crucial for health and daily activities. Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 is part of the UAE's broader humanitarian mission ...

The UAE has made significant strides in promoting gender balance, with the UAE Gender Balance Council playing a key role in these efforts. The council focuses on reducing the gender gap in various sectors, ensuring equal opportunities for men and women. Over the years, the UAE has implemented policies that support women’s empowerment in education, employment, and leadership roles. These initiatives align with the country’s vision of building an inclusive and diverse society. At the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025, the UAE Gender Balance Council will showcase the progress made in gender equity. The summit will bring together leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss ways to improve gender balance worldwide. The UAE has been recognized globally for its efforts, ranking high in gender equality indicators. The country continues to introduce new policies to strengthen women’s participation in all fields. One of the key achievements of the UAE is increasing the number of women in lea...

The World Government Summit 2025 has gathered global leaders, policymakers, and experts in Dubai to discuss the future of governance, economic stability, and youth empowerment. This prestigious event serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and strategies to address global challenges and enhance cooperation between nations. With leaders from various sectors participating, the summit highlights the importance of research, innovation, and sustainable development in shaping a better future. One of the key discussions at the summit is the role of research and training in youth empowerment. Organizations like Trends Research and Advisory emphasize how knowledge and education are essential for building strong leadership among young people. By investing in training programs and governance models, countries can equip their youth with the skills and mindset needed to drive progress and innovation. This approach ensures that future generations are prepared to tackle emerging global issues. Shei...

  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached the United Arab Emirates to attend the World Governments Summit 2025. The summit, taking place in Dubai from February 11-13, brings together global leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss key issues related to governance, technology, economy, and sustainability. This visit provides an important opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its diplomatic and economic ties with the UAE and other participating nations. During his visit, PM Shehbaz will meet with world leaders, including heads of state, prime ministers, and representatives from international organizations. These high-level discussions are expected to focus on economic cooperation, trade, investment, and Pakistan’s role in regional and global affairs. Strengthening Pakistan-UAE relations will also be a key agenda during his meetings. The summit will host more than 30 presidents and 400 ministers from different countries. Leaders will engage in discussions on global governance,...

  Pakistan is actively participating in AI Everything Global 2025, a significant artificial intelligence event in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to boost its exports through technological advancements. The event, which began in Abu Dhabi on February 4 and continued in Dubai from February 5-6, serves as a platform for industry leaders, governments, and innovators to explore AI's impact on economic transformation. It features global tech giants such as ASUS, IBM, Zoom, Oracle, and Intel presenting cutting-edge solutions. Eleven Pakistani companies and two start-ups are attending the event, showcasing their products and services to a global audience. Pakistan's ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, emphasized the importance of this participation, stating that it reflects the country's commitment to integrating technology into its economic framework. He expressed optimism that these efforts would lead to a significant increase in exports. The ambassador highlighted that...

Dubai is a city known for its rapid development and modern skyline, but beneath its progress lies a rich history shaped by generations of people. Recognizing the importance of preserving this heritage, Erth Dubai has been launched as a community-driven initiative dedicated to documenting and safeguarding the emirate’s cultural legacy. Through this effort, stories, traditions, and personal experiences will be collected to create a comprehensive digital archive. Every individual who has lived in or contributed to Dubai’s growth has a unique story to share. From tales of old trading routes and historic neighborhoods to personal experiences of transformation, these narratives form an essential part of the city’s identity. By gathering these stories, Erth Dubai aims to ensure that future generations remain connected to their roots and understand the evolution of their home. A digital archive will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and anyone interested in learning abo...

  The UAE has become one of the world’s top winter tourism destinations, attracting a record number of visitors during the colder months. With its warm weather, luxury attractions, and exciting events, it is now a preferred choice for travelers looking to escape the harsh winters of Europe, North America, and other cold regions. The country’s ability to offer both relaxation and adventure has played a key role in this growing popularity. One of the main reasons for the UAE’s success is its favorable winter climate. While many countries experience freezing temperatures, the UAE enjoys mild weather, with temperatures around 25°C in December. This makes it an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about snow or extreme cold. Tourists can explore the beaches, go on desert safaris, or take part in outdoor festivals without discomfort. Dubai, in particular, is a major attraction during the winter season. The city hosts many festive events, inclu...