Web Desk: The days of unskilled Pakistani workers securing jobs in the UAE are coming to an end as the country rapidly transitions toward a high-end, skilled labor market, said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi.

“We now need to focus on training accountants, IT professionals, bankers, AI experts, physicians, nurses, and pilots for the UAE job market,” Tirmizi emphasized during an interview with Gulf News.

He highlighted the growing demand for skilled workers in the UAE, noting that Pakistan has a significant opportunity to tap into this trend by prioritizing skills development. “If we train our people in these high-demand sectors, they can secure high-paying roles with salaries starting from Dh20,000 and above—a stark contrast to the Dh1,000 and above that unskilled workers currently earn,” he explained.

Shifting Job Market Trends

Ambassador Tirmizi discussed the evolving job market trends, his plans, and the strengthening ties between Pakistan and the UAE. He stressed that the partnership between the two nations extends beyond labor exports, focusing on creating jobs and attracting Emirati investments to Pakistan.

“The UAE has always been a key trading partner for Pakistan in the MENA region. Now, our goal is to attract more investments from the Emirates and ensure Pakistan’s economic potential is recognized globally. This is a partnership that spans generations,” he said.

Meeting Global Demands

Tirmizi underscored the importance of skills development to meet global demands. “Today’s world is driven by IT expertise, accounting, and healthcare,” he said, urging Pakistan to train its next generation to excel in these fields.

He pointed to the rising global demand for physiotherapists and nurses, not only in the UAE but worldwide. “We need world-class nursing facilities in Pakistan,” he said, envisioning a future where Pakistani professionals are sought after globally.

The aviation industry is another sector where Pakistan holds a competitive edge, Tirmizi revealed. He shared that discussions are underway with international aviation colleges to establish pilot training schools in Pakistan, offering aspiring aviators affordable training opportunities.

Remittances on the Rise

Ambassador Tirmizi also highlighted the significant increase in remittances from the UAE to Pakistan, which surged by 53% in just six months, reaching $4.5 billion. “Our goal is clear: to surpass the $9 billion mark in remittances by the end of this fiscal year in June,” he said.

For Tirmizi, this achievement is a testament to the hard work of Pakistani expatriates from all walks of life. “Blue-collar workers, crane operators, security guards—they all contribute to this remarkable success,” he said with pride.

Remittances have become one of Pakistan’s primary sources of foreign exchange, even surpassing the value of exports.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Tirmizi envisions a future where Pakistan not only meets the needs of its people but also establishes a new identity on the global stage. “We need to position Pakistan as a tourist destination, promote higher education, and strengthen our role in the global economy,” he stated.

He concluded by emphasizing the UAE’s strategic importance as a partner in realizing this vision, given its economic strength and geographic location. “The UAE is a crucial ally in helping Pakistan achieve its goals and carve out a prominent place in the world,” he said.