Karachi, Pakistan – May 2026: Pakistani entrepreneurs eyeing growth in the Gulf region are encountering roadblocks as the UAE enforces new visa delays. Business owners report that expansion plans in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are now on hold due to stricter background checks and enhanced verification processes.
Industry insiders note that the construction, IT, and education sectors are most affected. Amina Shah, CEO of Shah Global Holdings, explained, “We were on the brink of a major project in Dubai, but now we face a 45-day visa processing delay.”
The UAE remains a strategic hub for Pakistani investors, with trade volumes reaching record highs in recent years. However, with visa approvals now taking longer, businesses fear losing momentum. Analysts suggest that Pakistani firms diversify into other Gulf markets to reduce their dependency on UAE expansion.
