Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:50am on 26 Jan 2026,Monday India Global
The UAE scrapped plans to operate Islamabad International Airport shortly after President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's surprise three-hour India visit. Abu Dhabi lost interest in the project, agreed upon in August 2025, and failed to name a local partner. While Pakistani media didn't cite political motivations, the development comes amid growing UAE-Saudi tensions over Yemen and shifting Gulf alliances. As Pakistan pursues an "Islamic NATO" with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the UAE has strengthened India ties through new defence deals. Following his Delhi visit, the UAE President approved releasing 900 Indian prisoners as goodwill. Both nations signed a Letter of Intent for a Strategic Defence Partnership Framework Agreement. (PC: NDTV)
