توسيع حضور المستثمرين
Abu Dhabi — Kazakhstan presented a comprehensive portfolio of high-potential infrastructure, financial, and technology initiatives during AIFC Connect: Abu Dhabi 2025, a major business forum jointly organized by the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), the Embassy of Kazakhstan to the United Arab Emirates, and the Embassy of the UAE to Kazakhstan. The event, held in partnership with GWM Capital Ltd. and International Trading System (ITS), coincided with Abu Dhabi Finance Week, one of the region’s most influential gatherings for global investors.
The forum brought together around 150 representatives of investment banks, financial institutions, technology firms, consulting companies, stock exchanges, asset managers, and regulators. Discussions focused on expanding bilateral investment flows, showcasing Kazakhstan’s priority projects, and highlighting opportunities across the AIFC’s fast-growing financial ecosystem.
Deepening Kazakhstan–UAE Investment Relations
The UAE remains one of Kazakhstan’s most strategic economic partners, ranking among the top ten foreign investors with more than US$4.3 billion in cumulative capital inflows. Today, 462 Emirati companies operate across Kazakhstan in sectors such as finance, logistics, energy, and information technologies.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rauan Zhumabek, emphasized the unprecedented growth of Emirati investment, noting that inflows exceeded US$1 billion in 2025, more than four times the previous year’s figure.
“This trend reflects the deep trust our Emirati partners place in Kazakhstan and signals that our investment climate is increasingly attractive for global capital,” he said.
The event was also attended by the Ambassador of the UAE to Kazakhstan, Dr. Mohammed Saeed Al Ariqi, underscoring the growing diplomatic and economic momentum between the two countries.
AIFC.. A Leading Regional Financial Hub
AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov highlighted the centre’s expanding role as a platform for structuring international transactions, supporting large-scale infrastructure projects, and integrating financial markets across Central Asia and the Gulf.
“We highly value Kazakhstan’s strategic partnership with the UAE, which continues to grow dynamically across energy, logistics, finance, and technology,” Bekturov noted. “Today, 49 UAE companies operate within the AIFC jurisdiction, engaging in finance, ICT, transport, industry, and other sectors.”
Key achievements include:
Since its establishment in 2018, the AIFC has attracted US$19.3 billion into the Kazakh economy and is recognized as the leading financial centre in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (GFCI 38).
Strategic Infrastructure and Sovereign Investment Opportunities
The first panel session brought together leaders from sovereign and institutional investment organizations, including Baiterek National Investment Holding, Masdar, KazMunayGas, and Siguler Guff. Speakers emphasized Kazakhstan’s role as a pivotal “land bridge” between Europe and Asia and a stable long-term partner for investors.
Key themes included:
Speakers stressed that the transition to clean energy and sustainable transport requires active participation from sovereign funds, institutional investors, and the private sector.
Strengthening Regulatory Cooperation and Digital Innovation
A dedicated session explored the growing cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UAE in financial technology and digital assets. Representatives from the Solana Foundation, AFSA, Binance, and Taurus discussed:
In 2025, the AIFC was recognized as one of the world leaders in adopting IOSCO digital-asset regulatory standards, achieving the highest level of progress among 20 reviewed jurisdictions.
“AFSA’s balanced, innovation-friendly regulatory model is why the AIFC is internationally recognized for advancing innovation while ensuring strong investor protection,” said Liya Akzhanova, AFSA Chief Legal Officer.
Capital Markets Integration
A final session moderated by ITS CEO Chingiz Kanapyanovbrought together representatives from AIX, BHM Capital, Freedom Finance Global, and Samruk-Kazyna. Discussions centered on:
Kanapyanov noted: “Relations between the Abu Dhabi market and Kazakhstan are strengthening at historic speed. This partnership will create new opportunities across the AIFC ecosystem and generate positive impact for both Arab and Kazakh business communities.”
BHM Capital CEO Abdel Hadi Al Sa’di highlighted the significance of Tabadul-linked trading networks and called for deeper investor outreach to unlock Kazakhstan’s full potential.
Expanding Investor Presence
GWM Capital founder Arman Batayev and the AIFC Green Finance Centre’s Nagima Ayubayeva presented successful cases of companies operating through the AIFC platform and outlined future opportunities for institutional investors seeking access to the Central Asian market.
