Pakistan’s IT exports to the United Arab Emirates surged 42 percent to $536 million in FY2025-26, up from $376 million in FY2024-25, highlighting the growing technology and digital services ties between the two countries. Against this backdrop, Pakistan is showcasing its artificial intelligence and emerging technology capabilities at AI Everything Global 2026, a major public private gathering bringing together more than 500 exhibitors and 150 investors from 70 countries. The scale of the event, spanning exhibitors and investors from across the world, gives Pakistan a prominent international stage to build on the momentum reflected in its latest export figures.
The Pakistan Pavilion, established under the auspices of the Pakistan Software Export Board, features five Pakistani technology companies presenting AI driven solutions and services, including AI Data Intelligence, AI Surveillance, AI Sales Solutions and Sovereign AI. The pavilion was inaugurated by Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, Pakistan’s Envoy to the UAE, who interacted with participating Pakistani companies and stressed the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s presence in the rapidly evolving global AI landscape. Khan emphasized the need to invest in AI talent development and equip the younger generation with advanced AI, coding and digital skills to build a future ready workforce and improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global digital economy. His remarks connect the growing export figures directly to the country’s ongoing efforts to build domestic AI capacity, framing talent development as a prerequisite for sustaining the kind of export growth reflected in the latest UAE figures.
Pakistan’s participation at the event is providing local technology companies with opportunities to connect with international industry leaders and investors, develop strategic partnerships and explore new business and investment opportunities within the AI ecosystem. The participation is being facilitated by the Commercial Section of Pakistan’s Diplomatic Mission in the UAE, led by Trade and Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan, in coordination with PSEB and the Ministry of IT and Telecom. This level of institutional coordination, spanning a diplomatic trade office, the national software export body and the federal IT ministry, reflects the priority being placed on converting Pakistan’s AI pavilion presence into tangible commercial outcomes for the companies involved.
Pakistani delegates are also engaging with international stakeholders on AI driven innovation, digital transformation and potential areas of collaboration during the event. The combination of a 42 percent jump in IT exports to the UAE and a dedicated national pavilion at one of the region’s largest AI gatherings suggests Pakistan is working to convert its growing trade relationship with the UAE into deeper, longer term technology partnerships, extending beyond conventional IT services exports into areas such as AI solutions and sovereign AI development that could shape the next phase of bilateral technology cooperation. As more Pakistani companies pursue similar opportunities in the UAE and other Gulf markets, events like AI Everything Global may increasingly serve as a bridge between the country’s rising export numbers and the specific partnerships needed to sustain that growth over time.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
