Rihla Summit - Central Asia and the Caucasus

Central Asia and the Caucasus are becoming increasingly important destinations for Gulf investment as renewable generation expands and new trade corridors connect the region more closely with Asian, European, and Gulf markets. This session considers how GCC investment can connect clean power with industry, grids, water systems, and regional infrastructure while creating greater value within regional economies. The discussion was moderated by Shakhlo Kamaladinova of the Bourse & Bazaar Foundation, a member of the Rihla team and lead for the Central Asia and the Caucasus Council, with Umid Akbarov of SUEZ, a member of the council and Green Urban Development Focus Group; Yuliya Allakhverdiyeva of Acwa, a member of the council and Green Hydrogen Focus Group; Moustafa Bayoumi of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, a member of the Rihla Gulf Committee and Blue Economy Focus Group; Khabiba Khidoyatova of Tashkent State University of Economics, a member of the council and Sustainable Agriculture Focus Group; and Polina Liubomirova, an Independent Business Development Executive and member of the council and Green Urban Development Focus Group. Recorded at the Rihla Summit for Green Economic Growth, held on 29 September 2026 at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.