In recent years, the geopolitical map of Eurasia has witnessed a subtle yet meaningful transformation, as the Gulf states-particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia-have stepped up their engagement with countries in Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Once considered fringe players in these regions, the Gulf nations are now actively pursuing strategic partnerships across diplomacy, security, logistics, and trade. This growing involvement is helping reshape the power dynamics in two areas long dominated by Russian, Chinese, and Turkish influence.

A recent example of this accelerated engagement came last week when the UAE’s AD Ports Group and Kazakhstan Railways launched operations for GulfLink, a joint logistics venture aimed at integrating Central Asia into the Gulf’s expanding trade network. This development highlights a broader trend: Gulf countries are not merely investing in infrastructure but positioning themselves as vital strategic intermediaries connecting East and West.

Earlier in 2025, Uzbekistan implemented a visa-free regime for Gulf nationals, underscoring the deepening of people-to-people and business ties. In parallel, the UAE is hosting high-level peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, tackling one of the South Caucasus’ most intractable conflicts. These are not isolated events but signs of a larger strategic pivot.

For decades, Central Asia and the South Caucasus remained within the gravitational pull of Russia’s political and military influence, a legacy of both Tsarist imperialism and Soviet-era integration. Although the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Russia continued to exert considerable sway through mechanisms like the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), energy dependencies, and diplomatic mediation in regional conflicts.

However, the emergence of other powers-most notably China, Turkiye, and the United States-has gradually diversified the strategic landscape. China, through its Belt and Road Initiative........

© Blitz