AIQ set to Advance Digital Transformation in Kazakhstan’s Energy Sector through Agreement with Samruk Kazyna

• The cooperation will facilitate the exchange of expertise, best practices, and technological know-how in the fields of AI, Asset Digitalization, and Autonomous Operations
• Agreement reflects AIQ’s expansion into international markets as part of its strategy to export UAE-developed AI and digitalization expertise

Abu Dhabi, UAE and Astana, Kazakhstan – May 12, 2025: During an official state visit by HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi to the Republic of Kazakhstan, a folder exchange ceremony was conducted between  Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, AIQ Chairman and Nurlan Zhakupov, CEO of Samruk Kazyna. AIQ, the Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence (AI) champion developing innovative solutions for the energy sector, announced the agreement to advance the digital transformation of the oil and gas industry in Kazakhstan, in partnership with Samruk Kazyna, the Kazakhstan Sovereign Wealth Fund. 

The strategic collaboration agreement will facilitate the exchange of expertise, best practices, and technological know-how in the fields of AI, Asset Digitalization, and Autonomous Operations. The two organizations also commit to exploring opportunities for the implementation of digital solutions to optimize oil and gas exploration, production, and infrastructure management.

AIQ will be present to support the deployment of pilot projects and innovative use cases in the areas of AI and digitalization; with the view to fostering long-term cooperation in research and development (R&D) to support Kazakhstan’s national goals for technological modernization and energy sector resilience. 

Magzhan Kenesbai, Acting Managing Director, AIQ stated, “Innovation and knowledge transfer are important themes of our business, so to be able to extend them to our partners in Kazakhstan is an honor. The UAE and Kazakhstan already enjoy a positive bilateral relationship that will be made even stronger by today’s agreement. AIQ is convinced of the transformational power of AI in making the energy industry suitable for modern demands and dynamics, and I am confident that AIQ’s engagement with Samruk Kazyna will have an extremely positive impact on Kazakhstan’s energy sector, economy, and society in general.”

Nurlan Zhakupov, CEO of Samruk Kazyna said, “Signing the agreement with AIQ opens new horizons for the digital transformation of Kazakhstan’s energy sector. By combining the expertise and innovative solutions of our partners from the UAE with the industrial potential of Kazakhstan, we are laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth, technological progress, and enhancing the global competitiveness of our economy.”

Through the SCA, AIQ and Samruk Kazyna will also work to promote knowledge transfer through joint training programs, workshops, and professional development initiatives. 

Established in 2008, Samruk Kazyna’s portfolio of interests includes companies operating in oil and gas, transportation and logistics, chemical and nuclear, mining and metallurgical, energy, and real estate sectors. The Fund’s assets amount to approximately $79 billion.