Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC), along with the Embassy of Kazakhstan to the UAE and the UAE Embassy to Kazakhstan, hosted the "AIFC Connect: Abu Dhabi 2025" event on 9th December in Abu Dhabi. The event aimed to boost investment cooperation, showcase high-potential projects in Kazakhstan, and highlight opportunities in Kazakhstan’s financial market for foreign companies.
The UAE is among the top ten investors in Kazakhstan, with total investment exceeding US$4.3 billion. Around 462 UAE companies operate in Kazakhstan, including Masdar, Presight, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. The event was held in partnership with GWM Capital Ltd. and ITS, coinciding with Abu Dhabi Finance Week.
About 150 representatives from investment banks, technology, consulting, stock exchanges, regulators, and asset managers attended. Discussions focused on key investment areas, infrastructure projects, fintech, innovation, digital assets, and the AIFC’s role in connecting Gulf and Central Asian capital markets.
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the UAE, Rauan Zhumabek, described both nations as “bridge countries” linking regions and creating business opportunities. He noted UAE investments in Kazakhstan exceeded US$1 billion this year, highlighting strong investor trust. AIFC Governor Renat Bekturov emphasised the AIFC as a platform for structuring international deals, supporting infrastructure projects, and integrating markets.
The business programme featured panels on investment by sovereign and institutional funds in energy, transport, aviation, logistics, and mining, with speakers including representatives from Masdar, Baiterek National Investment Holding, KazMunayGas, and Siguler Guff. Experts underlined Kazakhstan’s strategic location between Europe and Asia and the growing opportunities for foreign capital.
Fintech and digital assets were also highlighted, with discussions on tokenised securities, regulatory sandboxes, and custodial services. The AIFC has implemented international IOSCO standards, becoming a global leader in digital asset regulation. Participants included AFSA, Binance, and industry experts promoting secure and connected digital finance ecosystems.
The event showcased successful UAE-Kazakhstan collaborations, including Caspian Integrated Maritime Solutions and dirham-denominated bonds through AIX and Nasdaq Dubai. Since 2018, the AIFC has attracted US$19.3 billion in investment, with more than 4,800 companies from over 90 countries registered in its jurisdiction.
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