Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, has said that the days of unskilled Pakistan’s job market dynamics are shifting as opportunities in the UAE evolve towards high-end skilled professions, marking a significant departure from the traditional reliance on unskilled labor. The transformation underscores a critical need for Pakistan to invest in skill development, particularly in technology-driven fields, to ensure its workforce remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy. Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, in an interview with Gulf News, highlighted this transition, stating,
“We now need to train accountants, IT professionals, bankers, AI experts, physicians, nurses, and pilots for the UAE job market.”
As industries in the UAE increasingly demand specialized talent, Pakistan has the potential to strategically position itself as a supplier of highly skilled professionals. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi said that this shift would result in significantly higher earnings for Pakistani workers, moving away from low-wage roles towards high-paying careers. This shift represents not just an economic opportunity for individuals but a broader potential for Pakistan’s technological workforce to integrate into the global digital economy. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi quoted,
“If we train our people in these high-demand sectors, they can step into high-paying roles with salaries ranging from Dh20,000 and above, far above what our current unskilled workers had been getting from Dh1,000 and above.”
The evolving partnership between Pakistan and the UAE extends beyond labor export, focusing on long-term economic collaboration and investment. The intersection of technology and business in this collaboration could lead to innovation-driven opportunities, particularly in fintech, AI, and blockchain, which are already reshaping global markets. With an increasing number of UAE-based companies investing in digital transformation, Pakistani professionals with expertise in coding, cybersecurity, and cloud computing could become vital assets in the regional economy.
“The partnership is not just about sending our workforce abroad but ensuring that Pakistan’s economic potential is realised on the global stage.”
Skills development remains a critical priority, particularly in fields such as IT, accounting, healthcare, and aviation, where demand is surging. Pakistan’s ability to produce world-class professionals in these sectors will determine its success in meeting the UAE’s evolving requirements. Tirmizi underscored the importance of establishing high-quality training institutions, stating,
“We need world-class nursing facilities in Pakistan.”
The mention of upcoming pilot training schools also signals Pakistan’s growing focus on aviation and aeronautical engineering, areas that require advanced technological knowledge and precision. If executed effectively, these initiatives could not only boost employment rates but also foster technological advancements within Pakistan’s own industries.
Beyond workforce training, the economic impact of Pakistani professionals in the UAE is already evident, as remittances have surged by 53% in just six months, reaching $4.5 billion. This remarkable growth underscores the financial significance of expatriate earnings in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy. Tirmizi acknowledged the contributions of workers across all sectors, stating, “The blue-collar workers, the crane operators, the security guards — they all contribute to this incredible achievement.” However, the future lies in ensuring that an increasing share of remittances comes from high-paying, technology-driven professions rather than traditional labor-intensive roles.
Looking ahead, Tirmizi envisions a future where Pakistan leverages its strengths beyond workforce exportation, aiming to establish itself as a hub for tourism, higher education, and digital innovation.
“We need to open up as a tourist destination, promote higher education, and establish Pakistan’s position in the global economy,”
The alignment of education, skills training, and economic strategy will be crucial in ensuring that Pakistan not only meets international labor demands but also fosters sustainable growth domestically. As AI, fintech, and automation reshape industries worldwide, Pakistan’s ability to integrate technology into its workforce development plans will define its success in the global marketplace.
