United Arab Emirates (UAE) cancels plan to operate Islamabad International Airport after President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to India

Key facts

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) scrapped plans to operate Islamabad International Airport days after President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s surprise visit to India.
• The airport project was under discussion since August 2025 but collapsed after Abu Dhabi failed to find a local partner and reportedly lost interest.
• The Express Tribune confirmed the cancellation was not officially linked to politics.
• Saudi Arabia and the UAE are publicly at odds, particularly over Yemen, with Riyadh opposing UAE-backed separatist factions.
• Pakistan deepened defence ties with Saudi Arabia, aiming to form an 'Islamic NATO' alongside Turkey.
• During the India visit, the UAE President approved release of 900 Indian prisoners and signed a Letter of Intent for a Framework Agreement on Defence Cooperation with India.
• Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement in September 2025 treating any aggression against one as aggression against both.