Meat breakthrough: Export of Kazakh meat to the UAE

Kazakhstan is actively increasing meat exports, as noted by the President in his Address on September 8, 2025.
Last week, Kazakhstan shipped seven tons of lamb to the UAE, with regular deliveries of up to 10 tons per week planned going forward, according to QazTrade. In 2025, mutual trade with the UAE amounted to $289.7 million, with exports from Kazakhstan totaling $132.9 million, including $10.7 million in food products, of which about 55% accounted for lamb. Kazakhstan fully meets domestic demand for meat products, while exports are driven by additional volumes, helping farmers expand their sales markets.

A model of a progressive agro-economy with digitalization, AI, and deep processing is being implemented. The comprehensive plan for 2026–2028 creates full value chains from production to export. The livestock development plan for 2026–2030 предусматривает:
· increasing cattle numbers to 12 million and small livestock to 28 million;
· improving animal productivity;
· doubling export potential;
· Halal certification for markets in the Persian Gulf.

Financial support and infrastructure
Preferential loans at 5–6% per annum are available for purchasing breeding stock, working capital, and pasture development. Damu guarantees cover up to 85% of the loan amount, and participation of regional social corporations is planned.
Technical modernization includes annual equipment renewal of 8–10%, creation of service and procurement centers, logistics, laboratories for embryo reproduction, and workforce training.

Recent results
· Gross agricultural output in 2025 increased by 5.9% to 9.8 trillion tenge;
· livestock production grew by 3.3%.

International organizations note that the UAE imports up to 85–90% of its food, making the expansion of suppliers, including Kazakhstan, important for the region’s food security.