Abu Dhabi, March 23rd, 2007 (WAM) - President PervezMusharraf of Pakistan has conferred the country's prestigiousSitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam Award on Mohammed Al Abbar, Head ofDubai Department of Economic Development and Chairman of EmaarProperties for his outstanding contribution in bringing foreigninvestment to Pakistan.

Also honoured was Arif Masood Naqvi, Chairman of Abraaj Capital,who was granted the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan,in recognition of his outstanding service in the field of publicservices.

Al Abbar and Naqvi were decorated today in Abu Dhabi duringa celebration hosted by the Pakistani embassy.

Pakistan Ambassador Ahsanullah Khan praised his country'sstrong ties with the UAE.

He said that UAE's investment in Pakistan witnessed a significantrise by 41 percent. He added that the total value of investmentin Khalifa Refinery in Pakistan is estimated at USD 6 billion.

Emaar is currently implementing development projects in Pakistanworth about USD 2.4 billion.