H.E. Salem Mohammed Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi is a seasoned Emirati diplomat and former senior military officer whose distinguished career spans more than four decades in national defense, international security cooperation, and foreign policy leadership. He was appointed as the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and presented his credentials to the President of Pakistan on 17 November 2025.
Born on 22 April 1962 on Al Zaab Island, H.E. Al Zaabi pursued a career dedicated to public service and the advancement of the UAE’s strategic interests. He graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the United Kingdom in 1983 and later completed advanced military studies at the Command and Staff College (Marine Corps) in the United States in 1993.
H.E. Al Zaabi began his professional journey with the UAE Armed Forces in 1979, where he rose to the rank of Major General. During his military service, he held several high-profile international and strategic positions, including:
Military Attaché to France
Liaison Officer to NATO
Executive Director of the Policy and Cooperation Department at the Ministry of Defense
His transition to diplomacy began with his appointment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he served as Director of the International Security Cooperation Department from 2017 to 2023. In this role, he led the UAE’s global security partnerships, coordinated multilateral engagements, and strengthened cooperation with key international stakeholders.
In 2023, he was appointed Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, providing strategic guidance on regional policies, peace initiatives, and global security matters. He also serves as the UAE Special Envoy to Afghanistan, where he supports diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting stability, dialogue, and humanitarian outcomes.
Fluent in Arabic and English, H.E. Al Zaabi brings to his diplomatic mission a deep understanding of international affairs, defense strategy, and bilateral cooperation. As Ambassador to Pakistan, he is committed to further advancing the historic and brotherly relations between the UAE and Pakistan, enhancing economic, political, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
