An Uzbek government delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev, conducted a high-level visit to the United Arab Emirates on April 13–14, holding a series of strategic negotiations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The delegation met with UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with heads of government agencies, investment institutions, and major Emirati corporations.
According to a LinkedIn post by the Deputy Prime Minister, the visit’s agenda centered on deepening bilateral cooperation across vital sectors, including investment, energy, logistics, digital transformation, water infrastructure, industry, education, and trade.
The partnership has seen remarkable growth; in 2025, bilateral trade reached $1.25 billion, a 52% surge compared to the previous year. The joint investment portfolio now encompasses approximately 100 projects with a total value exceeding $20 billion. In 2025 alone, utilized Emirati investments in Uzbekistan’s economy reached $1.5 billion. Currently, 421 enterprises with Emirati capital are actively operating within Uzbekistan.
The following highlights the key areas addressed during the high-level negotiations:
- Healthcare in Nukus: Progress was reviewed on the construction of a specialized women’s and children’s hospital, funded by the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation. With the bulk of the construction already finished, the facility is on track to open its doors in the third quarter of this year.
- National Heritage Infrastructure: A grant from the UAE is financing the construction of a modern new home for the National Archives of Uzbekistan.
- Islamic Finance Expansion: A significant new initiative focuses on maturing Islamic banking within Uzbekistan. This aligns with the recently signed law on Islamic finance, which is scheduled to take effect on June 29.
- Logistics and Intermodal Trade: The two sides discussed the joint promotion of the Navoi Logistics Platform as a world-class intermodal hub, in partnership with AD Ports.
- The Trans-Afghan Railway: Discussions explored involving Etihad Rail as a strategic partner. Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev noted, “This corridor is designed to grant Central Asia direct access to Pakistani seaports, cutting transit times and costs while bolstering regional trade and integration. We view logistics and transport connectivity as a vital engine for the region’s future economic growth.”
- Comprehensive Economic Partnership: The parties moved closer to finalizing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Uzbekistan and the UAE.
- Future Symbols of Cooperation: Plans were reviewed for the Investopia Global – Tashkent Edition at the upcoming investment forum, alongside the visionary proposal for a “UAE Avenue” in New Tashkent—a landmark meant to symbolize the enduring bond between the two nations.
"The UAE has become a cornerstone strategic partner for Uzbekistan in the Middle East," Khodjayev remarked. "We believe the high level of trust and direct dialogue we share will continue to translate into significant investments, transformative joint projects, and long-term solutions that benefit both our countries."
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