Written by Dr. Abdul Rahim Abdul Wahid
Abu Dhabi – H.E. Rauan Zhumabek, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the UAE, affirmed that relations between the two countries are witnessing rapid growth and remarkable prosperity across various fields. He emphasized that these relations represent a model of regional and international cooperation, with the UAE becoming one of Kazakhstan’s most important and reliable partners in the Gulf region.
Speaking during the roundtable titled “New Horizons for Cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates,” held in Abu Dhabi, the Ambassador noted that the volume of trade exchange between the two countries exceeded $127.2 million during the first seven months of 2025, marking a 12.8% increase, while the UAE has invested more than $4.3 billion in Kazakhstan’s economy.
He added that Emirati investments align with the UAE’s development strategy up to 2031, which is based on innovation, industrial growth, and economic diversification. He highlighted several major projects supported by the UAE, including:
- Abu Dhabi Plaza complex in Astana
- 1 GW wind power plant in Zhambyl Region
- SABIS International School in Astana
Additionally, 13 new projects worth $3.7 million are planned until 2028, alongside the completion of 4 major investment projects with Emirati participation. Currently, 46 Emirati companies are registered in the Astana International Financial Centre, operating in sectors including finance, insurance, ICT, trade, transport, industry, and mining.
The Ambassador Zhumabek praised the close personal relations based on mutual respect between Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan, and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, describing them as a key driver propelling bilateral cooperation to broader horizons. He noted that the annual exchange of visits between the leadership of both nations reflects the depth of bilateral ties and their commitment to enhancing cooperation in industry, agriculture, transport, logistics, and investment.
He also highlighted that the mutual visa exemption agreement has boosted tourism and business between the two peoples, stressing that the historic visit of Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to Astana last May marked a turning point in bilateral relations. The visit resulted in the signing of 18 commercial agreements worth over $5 billion in energy, oil and gas, transport, agriculture, finance, artificial intelligence, and digital economy. It also reaffirmed the commitment of major Emirati companies — such as Masdar, Presight, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and Terminals Holding — to continue their successful investments in Kazakhstan.
The Ambassador also touched on the ongoing reforms in his country, referring to President Tokayev’s recent announcement of 20 strategic tasks under the “Kazakhstan in the Era of Artificial Intelligence” program, which include digital transformation, infrastructure and energy development, strengthening food and water security, modernizing the healthcare and education systems, supporting SMEs, and political reforms aimed at modernizing parliamentary life.
H.E. Rauan Zhumabek concluded by affirming that the UAE represents a global model of development and prosperity, and that its solid relations with Kazakhstan are “built on strong friendship, genuine cooperation, and mutual interests.” He added: “We are confident that our cooperation will continue to advance steadily toward further progress and prosperity for the benefit of our two friendly peoples.”
He also expressed deep appreciation to the journalists and media representatives who attended the roundtable, emphasizing their vital role in supporting bilateral cooperation and showcasing the growing partnership between the two nations.
The roundtable also featured remarks from media representatives, notably Emirates News Agency, Al Khaleej newspaper, Al Fajr newspaper, Al Wahda newspaper, and National Library and Archives of the UAE, represented by Dr. Husniya Al Ali, who stressed the need for educational and cultural exchange between the Emirati and Kazakh sides to raise awareness among future generations and highlight the importance of intellectual and cultural engagement in achieving sustainable societal development.
Meanwhile, Khalid Mubarak Al Kendi, CEO of the Emirates Global Educational Investment Group, spoke about the advantages of Kazakhstan as a land, government, and people, encouraging the consideration of Kazakhstan as an important destination for tourism and education for residents of the UAE and the wider Arab region, based on his investment experience in Kazakhstan’s education sector.
For his part, Dr. Abdel Rahim Ibrahim Abdel Wahid, CEO of Media Hub International, shared his 13-year professional journey in media promotion of Kazakhstan, noting the historical connections between the founding eras of the UAE and the Gulf and Kazakhstan’s nomadic and steppe heritage. He also discussed the role of Kazakhstan’s leadership and its internal and external policies in elevating the country over the past 30 years, achieving remarkable development, progress, and prosperity for the Kazakh people.
