BAKU,TurkicWorld: Abdulhamid Hamid Al-Kba / Writer and Researcher in Central Asian Affairs
In 2026, amid rapid geopolitical transformations reshaping the world map, Kazakhstan emerges as a pivotal player at the heart of Eurasia. It is not merely a resource-rich country with vast territories, but a strategic hub that blends deep historical heritage with contemporary economic ambition, intersecting with the vital interests of the Arab world at critical points.In Astana, the capital of the future with its gleaming towers, past and present converge: from the plains of Farab emerged Abu Nasr al-Farabi — the “Second Teacher” in Islamic philosophy — who illuminated the Golden Age in Baghdad with his comprehensive sciences.
And from the vast plains of Dasht-i Qipchaq in modern-day Kazakhstan, where Sultan al-Zahir Baybars was born, he set out to carry the banner of defending Islam, forging a shared history that unites the Qipchaq Kazakh with the Arab under the banner of Islamic unity.This legacy is not just historical pages; it is a living engine driving an accelerating strategic partnership. I witnessed this personally in September 2025 while providing media coverage of the “Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions” in Astana, held inside the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation, where Kazakhstan’s unique model of peaceful coexistence among cultures and religions stands out in an era of polarization. This model forms the spiritual foundation for the economic momentum and positions Kazakhstan as a natural and reliable partner for Arab countries.The Language of Numbers: Investment Leads Diplomacy
By 2026, Gulf interest has translated into tangible investments in renewable energy and logistics. Leading the way are the Emirati company Masdar and the Saudi company ACWA Power: Masdar is developing a 1 GW wind farm in Zhambyl with 600 MWh battery storage (construction expected to begin in 2026).
ACWA Power is advancing wind and battery projects exceeding $1.5 billion in value.
These partnerships convert political trust into real economic growth and make Kazakhstan a major destination for Arab investment in Central Asia.Shared Religious and Cultural Bonds: A Strong Bridge
The connection goes beyond finance; moderate Islam forms the strongest bridge, and the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi in Turkistan represents an extension of Arab-Islamic heritage. Halal tourism is growing strongly, with increasing numbers of Arab visitors and the development of infrastructure in Almaty and Turkistan, turning them into “distant homelands” where Gulf tourists enjoy hospitality and halal cuisine.The Middle Corridor and Food Security: A Lifeline
Kazakhstan has become a safety valve for Arab food security through the Middle Corridor (TITR), which has witnessed tremendous growth: 4.5 million tons of cargo in 2024 (a 62% increase) and a record 11 million tons of grain exported in 2025. As one of the world’s largest wheat exporters (8–10 million tons annually expected), direct shipments to the UAE have begun, with an increasing share in the markets of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, bypassing traditional routes vulnerable to geopolitical fluctuations.Cooperation in Minerals and Technology: Strategic Horizons
Kazakhstan, rich in rare and critical minerals, opens wide doors for Gulf cooperation. Geological exploration is expanding to 2.2 million km² by 2026, and President Tokayev has described these resources as “the new oil.” With Western memoranda of understanding and official invitations extended to Gulf countries, cooperation combines Gulf expertise in sustainable investment with vast reserves (lithium, uranium, copper, rare earths with an estimated potential value exceeding $46 trillion), despite international challenges.Conclusion
Kazakhstan in 2026 is not a distant partner; it is a vital strategic depth for energy security, food security, and stability. Astana is the compass of peace, and the Arabs see in it an ally that shares vision and values. Let us make this decade a comprehensive “Eurasia–Arab” charter that brings together the descendants of al-Farabi and Baybars on the path of innovation and sustainability — a path protected by deep cooperation and blessed by a shared history stretching back more than a thousand years — to secure strength and prosperity for our generations forever
