ISLAMABAD: The United Arab Emirates has conferred the First-Class Order of Zayed II on Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, in recognition of his distinguished diplomatic service in strengthening relations between the two countries, the Pakistan Embassy in Abu Dhabi said on Thursday.
Pakistan and the UAE enjoy deep and longstanding ties, with cooperation spanning trade, defense, and labor mobility. The Emirates hosts over 1.7 million Pakistanis— the second-largest expatriate community in the Gulf— whose remittances form a vital part of Pakistan’s foreign exchange earnings.
“The decoration was presented to Ambassador Tirmizi by His Excellency Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a meeting held today in Abu Dhabi,” the embassy said in a statement, commenting Ambassador Tirmizi’s “dedicated efforts in further deepening the historic and brotherly relations between the two nations.”
Expressing his gratitude, Ambassador Tirmizi said he was “overwhelmingly delighted and deeply humbled to receive this prestigious honor.” He extended thanks on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan to the UAE leadership, authorities, and its people for their “continued support throughout his tenure.”
He added that the honor reflected the efforts of many:
“This recognition is not mine alone. I am profoundly grateful to my dedicated team at the Embassy of Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, the Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai, and our vibrant Pakistani community across the Emirates. Their hard work, cooperation, and commitment have been instrumental in further strengthening Pakistan–UAE relations.”
The Order of Zayed II is one of the highest civilian decorations of the United Arab Emirates, named after the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is typically awarded to heads of state, senior diplomats, and distinguished individuals in recognition of their contributions to strengthening relations with the UAE or advancing international cooperation.
Conferred by the President of the UAE, the honor carries a gold medal and ribbon bearing the likeness of Sheikh Zayed, symbolizing friendship, service, and mutual respect between nations.
