The Arab states of the Gulf represented a natural ally for Uzbekistan and the rest of Central Asia after they gained independence from the Soviet Union. Central Asia’s large Muslim population and a long history of interaction with the Gulf and the Middle East from as early as the 8th century made it a foregone conclusion that links with the Gulf and the Islamic world would be revived after 1991. The GCC represented the population of the Arab states in the Gulf, successful (oil based) economies with potential for economic investment, large markets for goods and labour, coupled with a common Muslim heritage, made it an important organisation to interact with for the newly developing region of Central Asia. In the early days after independence Central Asia became a place where Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey competed with each other for power and influence. There was a sense of an opportunity to manipulate and garner the Central Asian republics to service and benefit the more powerful nations in the Gulf which on the surface failed. The fact that Central Asia has a predominantly Muslim population was seen as a means of easy access into the region. Saudi Arabia and Iran specifically saw Central Asia as a region of zero-sum game. It is very important to note that countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran are now moving away from the language of ‘Great Game’ playing out in the region. There is an urgent need to steer clear from notions that make countries like those in Central Asia pawns in the international arena. In this project Uzbekistan has taken centre stage and its relation with the Gulf countries in the GCC will serve as a case study. Historically, there was constant exchange of scientific and intellectual information back and forth between Central Asia and the Middle East through cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Figures of the Uzbek Diaspora vary from anywhere between 400-800 thousand Uzbeks in Saudi Arabia. Within the GCC we shall focus on Saudi Arabia particularly because of the important position it holds within the GCC and based on the long relationship it has had with Uzbeks in both pre-Soviet and post-Soviet times. The Uzbek Diaspora in Saudi Arabia consists of a large migration of Uzbeks to Saudi Arabia after the 1917 revolution. The second wave of emigration was seen after independence, in 1992. The Uzbek Diaspora is represented in Saudi Arabian ministries, diplomatic services, commerce and other spheres of public life even today. Interestingly, the largest Arab Diaspora in the Soviet Union was in Uzbekistan and even today up to a 100 thousand ethnic Arabs live in Uzbekistan. There is space for creating affinity and a sense of shared experience for Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan. There is much that can prove to be commercially and culturally viable for both countries. Putting aside ideology, religion and a ‘Big Brother’ attitude toward Uzbekistan and the other countries in Central Asia is of utmost importance in light of the developments in the region

The Arab states of the Gulf represented a natural ally for Uzbekistan and the rest of Central Asia after they gained independence from the Soviet Union. Central Asia’s large Muslim population and a long history of interaction with the Gulf and the Middle East from as early as the 8th century made it a foregone conclusion that links with the Gulf and the Islamic world would be revived after 1991. The GCC represented the population of the Arab states in the Gulf, successful (oil based) economies with potential for economic investment, large markets for goods and labour, coupled with a common Muslim heritage, made it an important organisation to interact with for the newly developing region of Central Asia. In the early days after independence Central Asia became a place where Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey competed with each other for power and influence. There was a sense of an opportunity to manipulate and garner the Central Asian republics to service and benefit the more powerful nations in the Gulf which on the surface failed. The fact that Central Asia has a predominantly Muslim population was seen as a means of easy access into the region. Saudi Arabia and Iran specifically saw Central Asia as a region of zero-sum game. It is very important to note that countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran are now moving away from the language of ‘Great Game’ playing out in the region. There is an urgent need to steer clear from notions that make countries like those in Central Asia pawns in the international arena. In this paper Uzbekistan has taken centre stage and its relation with the Gulf countries in the GCC will serve as a case study. Historically, there was constant exchange of scientific and intellectual information back and forth between Central Asia and the Middle East through cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Figures of the Uzbek Diaspora vary from anywhere between 400-800 thousand Uzbeks in Saudi Arabia. Within the GCC we shall focus on Saudi Arabia particularly because of the important position it holds within the GCC and based on the long relationship it has had with Uzbeks in both pre-Soviet and post-Soviet times. The Uzbek Diaspora in Saudi Arabia consists of a large migration of Uzbeks to Saudi Arabia after the 1917 revolution. The Uzbek Diaspora is represented in Saudi Arabian ministries, diplomatic services, commerce and other spheres of public life even today. Interestingly, the largest Arab Diaspora in the Soviet Union was in Uzbekistan and even today up to a 100 thousand ethnic Arabs live in Uzbekistan. There is space for creating affinity and a sense of shared experience for Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan. There is much that can prove to be commercially and culturally viable for both countries. Putting aside ideology, religion and a ‘Big Brother’ attitude toward Uzbekistan and the other countries in Central Asia is of utmost importance in light of the developments in the region