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WAM reported that President Tokayev presented the award to Al Mazrouei in recognition of his role in fostering strong ties across multiple sectors. The minister, who also serves as the UAE’s special envoy to Kazakhstan, held discussions with the Kazakh leader on ways to further expand collaboration in energy, infrastructure and investment. Tokayev highlighted the strategic importance of the UAE as a key partner in the Arab world during the encounter.
The Order of Dostyk, which translates as friendship, is a state award established in 1995 and divided into two degrees according to Kazakh government records. It honours individuals for promoting mutual understanding, peace and cooperation among nations. Al Mazrouei expressed gratitude for the distinction, noting it reflected the depth of relations between Kazakhstan and the UAE.
Bilateral economic links have expanded significantly in recent years. The Astana Times reported that UAE investment in Kazakhstan reached nearly $1.64 billion in 2025, placing the country among the top foreign investors. Non-oil trade between the two nations hit $5.6 billion in 2024, Gulf Today figures show, underscoring growing commercial exchanges.[[1]](https://astanatimes.com/2026/04/uae-investment-in-kazakhstan-hits-1-6-billion-as-renewables-take-focus/)[[2]](https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2025/12/01/uae-kazakhstan-joint-committee-discusses-cooperation-in-ai-space-energy)
Energy and renewable projects form a central pillar of the partnership. Masdar is developing a 1-gigawatt wind power initiative in Kazakhstan’s Zhambyl region, one of the largest such schemes in Central Asia, with construction progressing toward a 2029 commissioning target. The two sides have also explored battery storage solutions and green hydrogen opportunities in follow-up talks. Additional agreements signed in 2025 covered logistics, technology and agriculture, according to multiple official readouts.
The UAE-Kazakhstan Joint Committee convened its tenth session in Astana in late 2025, co-chaired by Al Mazrouei and his Kazakh counterpart. Discussions addressed artificial intelligence, space cooperation, transport corridors and health sector ties, resulting in the signing of meeting minutes that outlined future steps. Officials from both countries reviewed implementation of prior high-level commitments during the gathering.
Nearly 500 companies with Emirati participation now operate in Kazakhstan, including dozens registered at the Astana International Financial Centre, a Kazakh government assessment found. Kazakh investments in the UAE have similarly grown, reaching around $2 billion in recent tallies. These flows support diversified cooperation beyond traditional energy into digital infrastructure and food security.
