Published on March 25, 2026
Russia and the United Arab Emirates have identified at least eight strategic areas for future collaboration, according to Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alihanov and UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, during the inaugural Russian-Emirati Business Forum held in Dubai.
One of the primary sectors identified for cooperation is energy. Discussions will center on machinery utilized for fuel extraction, processing, and transportation. Alihanov noted that Russia has been actively collaborating with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company to establish certification and standards necessary for entering the UAE market. He emphasized the importance of advanced technology in oil and gas production, particularly given Russia’s substantial reserves of hard-to-recover resources.
In the field of pharmaceuticals, Russian companies have already made inroads into the UAE market. The forum highlighted discussions on the potential for expanding production within the Emirates, which could enhance local access to necessary medical products and foster economic ties between the two nations.
High technology also emerged as a key focus during the event. Alihanov commended the successful integration of the Yango digital ecosystem, which is associated with the Russian tech giant Yandex N.V. He specifically pointed to the use of the voice assistant Yasmine as an illustration of effective Russia-UAE collaboration in technology.
As both nations look to deepen their economic relations, these foundational areas of cooperation are expected to pave the way for more extensive partnerships in the years ahead. The forum underscored a mutual commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing trade, and exploring new frontiers in various sectors.