2 days ago
Investment opportunity: Boost Pakistani education in UAE schools
Pakistani investors and businesses should come forward to set up new schools catering to the Pakistani curriculum across the UAE as more students await new admissions every year, says a senior diplomat.
Hussain Muhammad, Consul-General of Pakistan Consulate, Dubai, said there is indeed a significant demand for more schools catering to the Pakistani curriculum in the UAE, particularly in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
'We are actively engaging with established Pakistani school networks to encourage them to expand operations in the UAE. We also highlight this opportunity to Pakistani investors, urging them to enter this sector, which has both community and commercial benefits,' Muhammad told Khaleej Times during an interview.
'Through platforms such as Khaleej Times, which is widely read by our community and businesspeople, I am inviting the private sector to explore this high-demand area. Investing in education is not only financially rewarding but also a meaningful contribution to the welfare of our next generation,' he said.
Pakistani schools in the UAE continue to serve the large Pakistani expatriate community, estimated at over 1.5 million, primarily following the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) curriculum from Pakistan. These schools are spread across emirates like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Al Ain, offering affordable education to thousands of students. They emphasize Pakistani culture, Islamic studies, and Urdu language alongside academic programmes, with some integrating Cambridge subjects or hybrid curricula.
Excerpts from the interview:
As Consul-General, welfare of the Pakistani community in Dubai and Northern Emirates is your top priority. What steps have you introduced for the community?
Pakistan Consulate General in Dubai serves the Pakistani community residing in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, which numbers between 1.3 to 1.5 million. Their welfare is, without doubt, our top priority. We have worked consistently to improve service delivery in key areas such as the issuance and renewal of passports and national identity cards, along with a wide range of consular services including document verification, attestation, and powers of attorney.
We also extend legal assistance where possible, particularly in matters linked to Pakistan. The consulate also receives requests for assistance in repatriating the bodies of community members who have passed away. Recognising the urgency and emotional weight of such cases, I have instructed our welfare team to treat them as emergencies. A monthly duty roster ensures staff availability 24/7, without leave, for the issuance of death NOCs so that bereaved families can proceed with repatriation without unnecessary delays.
Additionally, our welfare team undertakes weekly visits to all prisons across Dubai and the Northern Emirates to check on Pakistani inmates. These visits ensure they are receiving appropriate legal and consular assistance. Detailed reports from these visits are submitted to senior officers for oversight, enabling us to follow up effectively on individual cases.
What are the major challenges faced by the consulate while addressing issues of the Pakistani community?
The consulate operates within the framework of UAE laws and regulations, which we fully respect. However, community members sometimes expect us to intervene in matters beyond our jurisdiction such as financial fraud disputes, civil litigation, or contractual disagreements. In such cases, we guide applicants to approach the appropriate UAE legal forums, as these matters are best resolved through the local judicial system.
Another challenge is that some community members request financial support for paying fines or legal expenses. While we cannot cover these expenses, we do provide free legal advice to those in need through a law firm engaged on a monthly retainership. This ensures that Pakistanis facing legal difficulties have access to professional guidance without incurring legal consultation fees.
The present building of consulate is unable to handle visiting Pakistani expats. When do you think the consulate will be able to start the construction of a new building?
I completely agree that the current consulate building does not meet the needs of our growing community. The structure is old and lacks the space required to deliver services efficiently. We are following up for the construction of a new building, which is currently under consideration by the relevant authorities in Pakistan. I am optimistic about receiving a positive decision, after which we will be able to move forward with the planning and execution.
Many Pakistani brands and businesses expand their presence in the UAE and Gulf region. How do you facilitate Pakistani businessmen and investors?
We provide Pakistani entrepreneurs and investors with market insights, networking opportunities, and facilitation to connect with potential partners in the UAE. The consulate's Trade & Investment Section acts as a bridge between Pakistani businesses and the UAE's thriving commercial sector. We work closely with business councils, such as the Pakistan Business Council Dubai and the Pakistan Business Council Sharjah, as well as with local chambers of commerce. This collaboration allows us to help Pakistani businesses navigate the UAE market, identify potential sectors for investment, and explore joint ventures that can lead to sustainable commercial partnerships.
Dubai hosts several events and trade exhibitions every year. How do you facilitate Pakistani companies and businesses to participate in these exhibitions to secure export orders and promote Pakistani products?
Dubai has established itself as a hub for global trade, attracting businesses from all over the world. The consulate, through its Trade & Investment Section and with the support of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), facilitates the participation of Pakistani companies in these prestigious exhibitions, particularly those held at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Our role is to ensure that Pakistani exporters can use these platforms to their advantage. We help them secure exhibition space, guide them on presenting their products effectively, and connect them with buyers and distributors. These events have proven to be highly productive; many Pakistani companies have secured export orders and signed agreements directly because of participating in these exhibitions. Such exposure not only boosts sales but also positions Pakistan as a competitive player in the international marketplace.
Some Pakistani expats need legal assistance to get out of financial and civil court cases. How does the consulate bail out applicants seeking legal help?
The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai has retained the services of a law firm on a monthly basis to provide free legal consultations to our community. The firm's lawyers visit the consulate twice a week to meet with applicants and offer professional advice on their cases. This service covers a range of legal matters, both civil and criminal.
Over the last three years, we have provided legal advice to 1,396 individuals through this arrangement. While we cannot pay legal representation fees or fines, our free advisory service helps Pakistanis understand their legal position, explore possible solutions, and approach their cases with confidence.
INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE
As we mark the 78th anniversary of the Independence Day of our beloved homeland, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warm wishes to all members of the Pakistani community in the UAE.
This day stands as a powerful reminder of the historic struggle and sacrifices made by countless individuals under the visionary leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Their unwavering resolve and profound commitment gave birth to a nation founded on the principles of dignity, freedom, and justice. Let us never forget the legacy of those who made our independence possible.
The year 2025, declared as the "Year of the Community" by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, carries special significance for us. It reflects the UAE's continued commitment to inclusivity, harmony, and appreciation of its diverse residents. I take this opportunity to commend the Pakistani community for actively contributing to this vision through impactful initiatives.
One such commendable initiative is the Health Festival organised by the Pakistan Association Dubai (PAD) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Pakistan — a true embodiment of community service and solidarity. I would also like to acknowledge that PAD, with the support of the community, made history by setting a new Guinness World Record through the creation of the largest UAE flag featuring the maximum number of human handprints — an outstanding gesture of love, unity, and coexistence.
I extend my sincere appreciation to Emirates Loves Pakistan and PAD for organising the grandest Independence Day celebrations at Expo City Dubai. Their efforts have not only elevated our national pride but also strengthened the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and the UAE.
As proud Pakistanis living in this gracious host country, we have a shared responsibility to respect and uphold the laws, customs, and values of the UAE. I appeal to all community members to remain law-abiding, courteous, and exemplary residents — representing Pakistan with dignity and honor.
Let us celebrate this Independence Day with pride, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to unity, progress, and peaceful coexistence. May we continue to uplift our community and strengthen the enduring friendship between Pakistan and the UAE.
