Uzbekistan and UAE Forge $5 Billion Partnership in Energy and Infrastructure

The second day of a high-level Uzbek delegation's working visit to Abu Dhabi yielded significant progress in bilateral cooperation, with discussions centering on major investments across energy, infrastructure, and industry.

Meetings with key UAE officials, including Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei, focused on advancing the strategic partnership. The United Arab Emirates was reaffirmed as a principal partner for Uzbekistan in the energy sector.

The portfolio of joint projects with UAE companies Masdar and AMEA Power now exceeds $5 billion. Notable milestones include the completed privatization of the Talimarjan Thermal Power Plant with TAQA and a signed agreement to build a solar power plant capable of round-the-clock generation.

Infrastructure development featured prominently. Talks with TAQA Water Solutions acting CEO Nader Asad bin Taher covered two major projects: constructing water treatment facilities with a daily capacity of 300,000 cubic meters and building a 65-kilometer water pipeline from the Ugam River to New Tashkent.

Investment discussions extended to L'imad Holding and Plenary, exploring new ventures in mining, chemical industries, public-private partnerships, finance, and privatization initiatives. Separately, with Etihad Rail management, the potential for the company's involvement in the strategic Trans-Afghan Railway project was examined.

Cooperation in heavy industry was also on the agenda. Negotiations with Ta'ziz addressed prospects in chemical manufacturing, including possible participation in a major phosphate fertilizer complex project in the Samarkand region.

The visit also encompassed educational ties. A meeting with Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation (acting Minister of Higher Education), focused on developing collaboration in science, academic exchanges, and training specialists in high-demand fields.

The day concluded with confirmation of a high-level strategic dialogue between Uzbekistan and the UAE and a shared commitment to translate the discussed agreements into concrete action.