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Consul General calls for private investment to meet UAE's education demand
The consulate has undertaken several initiatives focused on welfare and protection of Pakistani community
- PUBLISHED: Mon 23 Mar 2026, 12:16 PM
Private sector should come forward and invest in education to cater to the needs of rising numbers of Pakistani community in the UAE, says a senior diplomat.
The Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai Hussain Muhammad said the growth in number of the Pakistani community in the UAE has naturally increased the demand for quality educational institutions, particularly in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. “Addressing this need requires greater participation from the private sector. In this regard, I fully agree that private investment is essential to bridge the existing gap,” Muhammad told Khaleej Times during an interview.
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He said the consulate actively encourages leading Pakistani educationists and investors to explore opportunities in the UAE’s education sector.
“We remain committed to facilitating and supporting such initiatives to enhance educational opportunities for our community,” he said.
Excerpts from the interview:
The Pakistani community in the UAE has now grown to more than 2.1 million, yet the Consulate’s facilities remain under pressure. How do you manage the increased workload?
The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai continues to deliver consular services through well-established operational procedures designed to maximise efficiency and facilitate applicants. A key initiative is the One Window Operation for Machine Readable Passport (MRP) and Nadra services, which enables applicants to complete multiple stages of their passport and identity cards/ documentation at a single counter. This streamlined process significantly reduces waiting times.
In addition, the consulate ensures efficient document attestation services, with applications processed within a minimum timeframe of one hour. To further enhance accessibility, Nadra has introduced a mobile registration facility, with teams visiting various Emirates over weekends to provide services closer to the community. These measures collectively help manage the increasing demand while maintaining service quality.
What key initiatives has the consulate recently undertaken to support the welfare of the Pakistani community?
Serving a large and diverse community, the consulate has undertaken several initiatives focused on welfare, protection, and outreach. A major priority is consular assistance and coordination with the UAE authorities.
The consulate also extends assistance to vulnerable individuals, including financial support and repatriation of patients and facilitation in cases involving deceased nationals, including a 24/7 death NOC issuance service.
Over the past year around 25 stretcher and wheelchair cases were financed for repatriation. As many as 19 deceased cases were supported with coffin charges, with the support of community donors 275 air tickets were provided for deportation of prisoners. Approximately Dh100,000 was arranged for school fees of needy children and around Dh57,000 was spent on medical assistance of deserving patients.
In addition, the consulate actively engages employers to resolve workplace issues and promote employment opportunities. During the past year, five job fairs were organised, resulting in employment for over 1,100 Pakistanis. Awareness initiatives have also been conducted in collaboration with banks and exchange companies, with around 25 sessions held to promote legal remittances. Overall, our approach is centred on timely assistance, institutional coordination, and community welfare.
The consulate maintains close engagement with law enforcement agencies, immigration departments, and correctional facilities to address legal and humanitarian concerns. Our teams conduct weekly visits to central jails across all Emirates to support Pakistani inmates and their families.
How does the consulate assist community members facing health and legal challenges, especially those without coverage?
The consulate consistently emphasises, through outreach and awareness sessions, the importance of health insurance, which employers are required to provide under the UAE labour laws. However, in cases where individuals lack coverage, the consulate facilitates support through the Pakistan Medical Centre, Dubai, where OPD services and medicines are available at subsidised rates. In collaboration with the Pakistan Association Dubai and Sharjah Social Centre, free medical camps are organized. Assistance for procuring medicines for needy individuals through donor support is also ensured.
On legal matters, the consulate receives a significant number of requests for assistance. To address this, a contracted law firm provides legal consultations at the consulate twice a week for both civil and criminal cases. Over the past year, legal assistance was provided in 442 cases, reflecting the consulate’s commitment to protecting the rights of Pakistani nationals.
Pakistani businessmen often face visa and administrative challenges while attending international events. How does the consulate support them?
The consulate, in coordination with its Trade and Investment Wing, plays an active role in facilitating Pakistani entrepreneurs and promoting Pakistan’s exports. Following are some of the services offered to Pakistani businessmen:
Visa Facilitation and Coordination
The Consulate engages with host-country authorities through diplomatic channels to support genuine business travellers for:
Issuance of visas for TDAP-nominated delegations
Coordination with immigration authorities
Support letters for participants in events at the Dubai World Trade Centre
Facilitating Participation in Exhibitions
In collaboration with TDAP, the consulate:
Secures space for Pakistan Pavilions
Assists with logistics and registrations
Provides guidance on branding and product display
Trade Promotion and Export Support
The Trade & Investment Section:
Organises trade fairs, conferences, and business delegations
Provides guidance on export procedures and compliance
Promotes key sectors including textiles, pharmaceuticals, sports goods, surgical instruments, and food products
Business Networking and Market Access
The consulate facilitates:
B2B meetings with international buyers
Engagement with chambers of commerce and business councils
Access to market intelligence and regulatory insights
Showcasing Pakistani Products
Through international exhibitions and national pavilions, the consulate helps strengthen Pakistan’s global brand and expand export opportunities.
What role does the Commercial Section play in strengthening UAE–Pakistan economic relations?
The Commercial Section plays a pivotal role in advancing economic cooperation between Pakistan and the UAE, particularly by connecting Pakistani businesses with Dubai’s dynamic market.
Trade Promotion and Market Access: The section identifies opportunities in sectors such as textiles, food products, pharmaceuticals, sports goods, and IT services, and shares insights with exporters.
Facilitating B2B Linkages: The Commercial Section actively connects businesses through:
Networking events and B2B meetings
Business delegations
Collaboration with entities such as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Pakistan Business Council, and TDAP
Supporting Trade Exhibitions: The section assists Pakistani companies in participating in major exhibitions in Dubai, enabling them to showcase products to global buyers.
Market Intelligence and Advisory: It provides guidance on UAE regulations, standards, and consumer trends, helping businesses compete effectively.
Addressing Business Issues: The section acts as a bridge between businesses and local authorities to resolve administrative and trade-related challenges.
Promoting Investment: It highlights investment opportunities in Pakistan and facilitates engagement between investors and relevant institutions.
