Profile
UAE’s Hamad Alzaabi was appointed, as the Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary to Pakistan on 19 September 2017.
He had previously held the position of Director, at the ‘International Organization Department’. Later was elevated to the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary through promotion.
Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Alzaabi had the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ambassador, to Pakistan since 2019, with a diplomatic career of nearly two decades.
He plays a significant role in strengthening the economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between nations. He had played an active role in advancing the depth and breadth of UAE-Pakistan relations.
EDUCATION BACKGROUND OF ALZAABI
Ambassador Alzaabi earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the United Arab Emirates University. Later he completed a master’s degree in diplomacy and international relations from Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS OF UAE’S AMBASSADOR
His diplomatic career began in 2005 when he joined MOFAIC. In 2006, he had Attaché at the UAE Embassy in Washington, DC, before becoming Second Secretary at the UAE Delegation to the UN in New York in 2009. From 2013 until 2015, he worked as First Secretary in the UAE Embassy in Paris.
Ambassador Alzaabi served as Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission in Islamabad in 2015. His contributions to Pakistan-UAE ties led to him as Ambassador of Pakistan in 2019.
AMBASSADOR ALZAABI’S NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Alzaabi had instrumental in elevating UAE-Pakistan relations. Under his leadership, bilateral trade had exceeded $10 billion. The UAE’s investments in Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure, and agricultural sectors have significantly expanded, fostering growth and creating employment opportunities.
An impactful initiative led by Ambassador Alzaabi was the Successful Negotiation of the UAE-Pakistan Visa Waver Agreement for diplomatic and special passport holders. This agreement has strengthened the ease of diplomatic interaction and cooperation between both countries.
Additionally, he had actively supported cultural exchange initiatives, such as the UAE’s involvement in Pakistan’s Expo 2020 Pavilion, which enables both countries to showcase their shared cultural history, economic successes, and cooperative projects on a worldwide scale.
His efforts extend into the Domain of defense, education, and healthcare, where he has facilitated partnerships and knowledge exchanges to build a more robust relationship.
RECOGNITIONS AND HONORS
Alzaabi was rewarded UAE Medal of Pride in 2019. In 2020, Pakistan gave him the Hilal-e-Quaid-e-Azam Award, one of the country’s highest Honours for Foreign Dignitaries, for his contribution to fostering UAE-Pakistan relations.
In January 2024, Ambassador Alzaabi’s exceptional diplomatic service was recognized with a promotion to Minister Plenipotentiary First Class, further solidifying his standing as one of UAE’s most accomplished Diplomats.
PERSONAL AND LANGUAGE SKILLS
He speaks English, Arabic, and French with ease. In addition to being a fervent supporter of cultural diplomacy, Ambassador Alzaabi loves to read and travel.
He lives in Islamabad with his family. He balances his business responsibilities and family life with determination, while being a dedicated husband and father of two children.
