UAE investment in Kazakhstan’s economy doubles

The volume of direct investment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into Kazakhstan’s economy doubled in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period last year. This was reported at the 10th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the two countries in Astana, according to Kazinform, a partner of TV BRICS.

Over the past ten years, the total volume of direct investment from the UAE into Kazakhstan has exceeded US$1.3 billion. Around 500 companies with Emirati participation currently operate in Kazakhstan. In turn, Kazakh investment in the UAE economy has approached US$2 billion.

“Our cooperation with the United Arab Emirates has long gone beyond the framework of a classical economic dialogue. Today we are discussing how our countries can jointly build the digital architecture of the future – from artificial intelligence to space, energy and scientific research,” stated Zhaslan Madiev, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan.

An important technological initiative discussed was the creation of the Kazakh–Emirati innovation hub (Kaz–UAE GovTech Innovation Hub). This platform will be designed for testing digital solutions, sharing expertise and implementing innovations in public administration.

The parties also reviewed initiatives on establishing joint research centres in artificial intelligence, big data, 6G technologies and robotics, as well as exchange programmes for specialists and educational initiatives for civil servants, engineers and researchers.

Attention was also given to space projects. Kazakhstan presented opportunities for cooperation in satellite Earth observation (EO), data transmission, space science and participation in international missions.

For its part, the UAE invited Kazakhstan to actively take part in preparations for the United Nations (UN) Water Conference 2026.

The partnership between the two countries is also actively developing in other areas, including energy, healthcare and culture. The next meeting of the commission is scheduled for 2026 in Abu Dhabi.

Photo: Yevgeniy Sambulov / iStock