ISLAMABAD: Surge in Pakistanis Heading to UAE and Qatar Amid Middle East Tensions
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the number of Pakistanis travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar has seen a sharp increase, while travel to Saudi Arabia has dropped significantly.
According to sources, the number of Pakistanis going to the UAE surged by over 1,500% in the first three months of 2026.
In March 2026 alone, 9,533 Pakistanis travelled to the UAE — a 320% increase compared to 2,271 in the same month last year.
February recorded a massive 692% rise with 14,035 Pakistanis moving to the UAE, while January saw a 505% increase.
Travel to Qatar also rose by 110%, with 17,687 Pakistanis heading there. A slight decline was noted only in March for Qatar-bound travellers.
The number heading to Kuwait also increased, with 184 Pakistanis travelling in the three-month period.
In contrast to other Gulf countries, the number of Pakistanis going to Saudi Arabia declined by 57% overall.
More than 57,500 Pakistanis travelled to Saudi Arabia in the first three months of 2026, including 23,366 in March alone.
