In recent years, relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have experienced rapid growth, marked by deepening cooperation across various sectors, particularly in sustainable development and the green economy.
Against this backdrop, the visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the UAE and his participation in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 (ADSW 2025) highlight the strategic importance of the partnership and the shared commitment of both nations to the principles of environmentally responsible progress.
It is worth noting that this event takes on exceptional significance in the context of current global challenges and the growing cooperation between the two nations.
Both Uzbekistan and the UAE consistently pursue sustainable development and environmental protection policies, demonstrating their commitment through concrete actions.
Tashkent’s goal of achieving a 50% share of renewable energy in the national energy mix by 2030 aligns well with Abu Dhabi’s initiatives in sustainable development.
In this regard, Uzbekistan’s participation in the UAE’s initiative to “Triple Renewable Energy Capacity” is a significant step forward.
Undoubtedly, the participation of Uzbekistan’s leader in ADSW 2025 will provide an opportunity to showcase the country’s achievements in sustainable development, share its vision for the future, and expand avenues for cooperation with global stakeholders, especially the UAE.
Moreover, this is of significant importance in light of the designation of 2025 in Uzbekistan as the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy, creating a unique synergy between international expertise and national priorities.
Given these circumstances, it can be stated that Uzbekistan is implementing a comprehensive approach to addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development. The national program for 2025 will focus on adopting green technologies, water conservation, reforestation, mitigation of the Aral Sea disaster’s consequences, waste management, and improving public health.
Significant efforts have already been undertaken in this regard. Over the past five years, Uzbekistan has significantly strengthened its environmental policy. A strategy for transitioning to a green economy has been adopted, and the necessary institutions have been established, including an Interdepartmental Council. A key step was the transformation of the relevant ministry and establishing the Climate Council under the President. These efforts culminate in the enshrinement of environmental protection provisions in the renewed Constitution, underscoring the prioritization of environmental issues at the state level.
In 2021, Uzbekistan launched the environmental initiative “Yashil Makon” (Green Space). This project aims to increase the country’s green coverage to 12.4% by 2030, including creating new parks and expanding forests. “Yashil Makon” is key to achieving environmental sustainability and fulfilling international climate commitments.
Uzbekistan has emerged as a regional leader in advancing climate initiatives in Central Asia. At Tashkent’s proposal, the region’s countries adopted the Green Agenda program in 2022 and supported the development of a joint Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
In 2023, the Central Asian University for Environmental Studies and Climate Change (Green University) was established, hosting the Climate Science Forum with the participation of international experts.
The country has positioned itself as an active participant in the global environmental agenda, proposing the adoption of three significant UN resolutions. In 2021, it advocated for recognizing the Aral Sea region as a zone of ecological innovation, and in 2023, it introduced initiatives on sustainable forest management and strengthening regional environmental cooperation in Central Asia.
These measures vividly illustrate Uzbekistan’s active engagement in global environmental initiatives and reaffirm its commitment to developing a green economy.
Undoubtedly, these efforts receive strong support on the international stage, where the UAE holds a special position.
Relations between Uzbekistan and UAE began in 1992 with the establishment of diplomatic ties and have grown into a robust strategic partnership over the past three decades, grounded in mutual respect and trust. A pivotal moment in the development of these relations was the visit of the President of Uzbekistan to the UAE in 2019, during which significant agreements were signed, laying the foundation for enhancing cooperation in various fields, including economics, investments, and innovation.
Subsequent visits by high-ranking officials, such as the arrival of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Uzbekistan in November 2023 and the discussions between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and a delegation from the UAE led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum last year, have given new momentum to the development of interstate dialogue.
The visit of the President of Uzbekistan to the COP 28 conference in the UAE marked a significant milestone in strengthening bilateral dialogue on ecology and sustainable development. This event showcased their commitment to addressing global environmental challenges and further solidified cooperative ties in advancing green energy initiatives.
Thus, relations between Uzbekistan and the UAE continue to expand, encompassing a wide range of areas of cooperation and contributing to the sustainable progress of both nations.
One of the most dynamically developing areas of cooperation between Uzbekistan and UAE is the renewable energy sector, where the UAE company Masdar is a reliable and strategic partner.
A flagship project in this field is the Zarafshan Wind Power Plant (WPP) with a 500 MW capacity located in Navoi region. Successfully commissioned in 2024, the WPP is the largest in Central Asia and has the potential to supply electricity to approximately 500,000 households while preventing the emission of around 1.1 million tons of carbon dioxide annually.
At COP29 in Baku last November, Masdar and the Ministry of Energy agreed to construct a 1 GW wind power plant (WPP) in Mingbulak. Implementing this project will increase clean energy production, create 600 to 800 new jobs, and save 1 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. The construction of the WPP will reduce atmospheric emissions by 1.4 million tons annually, enhancing energy security.
Masdar’s projects in Uzbekistan generate 1.5 GW of renewable energy, with an additional 0.5 GW under construction. The goal is to achieve a total capacity of 4 GW.
In addition to wind energy, the company is investing in Uzbekistan’s solar energy sector. In 2021, the 100 MW Nur Navoi solar power plant was commissioned. Furthermore, projects are underway to construct solar power plants in various regions (Gallaorol, Kattakurgan, and Sherabad districts) with a total capacity of approximately 900 MW.
Emirati companies invest in the energy sector’s development and actively transfer expertise and technology, fostering the sustainable development of local energy infrastructure.
The dialogue between Uzbekistan and the UAE on sustainable development extends beyond the energy sector. The countries actively exchange experiences and implement joint projects to combat climate change and desertification and to preserve water resources.
Agriculture and water resource management are critically essential sectors. Uzbekistan, facing challenges such as drought and water scarcity, shows great interest in the UAE’s innovative technologies for efficient water use and agricultural development in arid conditions.
Cooperation in this area includes implementing advanced irrigation systems, developing sustainable farming practices, and exchanging expertise on adapting agriculture to climate change.
Direct collaboration has been established between the UAE Ministry of Food and Water Security and the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan to explore opportunities for implementing joint programs and projects in agriculture and the food industry.
Priority attention is also given to the efficient use of water resources. Considering the UAE’s extensive experience in water desalination and adopting water-saving technologies in agriculture, the Uzbek side is actively studying and applying advanced practices from UAE firms and companies to address water scarcity issues in the Aral Sea region.
In the sustainable urbanization and development of smart cities, Tashkent is also adopting the UAE experience. In 2024, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed on developing data processing centers and artificial intelligence, opening new opportunities for digitalizing urban infrastructure and improving the quality of life for citizens.
Thus, it can be confidently stated that the visit of Uzbekistan’s leader to the UAE and his participation in Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week marks an important milestone in developing bilateral relations.
For Uzbekistan, this represents an opportunity to attract investments and technologies in the green economy. At the same time, the UAE reinforces its position as a regional leader in sustainable development and expands its connections in Central Asia.
This collaboration, rooted in a shared commitment to sustainable progress and a green future, has the potential to become a model for practical international cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges.
The international community is closely observing the development of this strategic partnership, viewing it as a potential exemplar in the context of global efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and combat climate change.
Experts agree that successfully implementing joint projects between Uzbekistan and the UAE can stimulate economic growth, improve both countries’ environmental situation, and positively impact the entire Central Asian region. This partnership vividly illustrates the effective integration of sustainable progress and environmental stewardship.
Alisher Qodirov,
Head of Department,
Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan