Abstract. The paper is devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the political and economic cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the countries of Central Asia in the context of implementing a multi-vector strategy, economic diversification and promotion of ‘green transition’ within the framework of the UAE Vision 2030 initiative. The study identifies the specifics of the UAE’s interaction with each of the region’s republics, including priority areas of investment and trade. Institutional mechanisms of interaction are examined, including bilateral visits, summits and agreements. Particular attention is paid to major investment projects, including Masdar’s activities in Uzbekistan, Dragon Oil's oil and gas activities in Turkmenistan, logistics initiatives in Kazakhstan, and infrastructure investments in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The limitations and prospects of the partnership are analyzed separately, including the impact of geopolitical factors, transport barriers and investment risks. The conclusion is made about the formation of a sustainable model of the UAE’s ‘infrastructure diplomacy’ in Central Asia as an instrument of the ‘smart power’ policy.