UAE-Russia ties enter a new era of strategic cooperation

The warm welcome extended by Russia to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan this month reflects the depth of bilateral relations and the shared desire to enter a new phase of strategic cooperation. The two countries are looking ahead to broader opportunities, building on the momentum of recent years in which their partnership has grown and mutual understanding has deepened across key issues and regional and global affairs.

In recent years, high-level exchanges between the leaders of the two nations have become more frequent. The visit by Sheikh Mohamed in August 2025 was his second in just 10 months, following his participation in the BRICS Summit in October 2024. Before that, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the UAE in December 2023. These and other summits have been marked by discussions and agreements, strengthening the strategic partnership and resulting in cooperative agreements across various sectors.

The UAE has established itself as an effective partner in regional and global matters, particularly through its diplomacy, humanitarian engagement in Middle Eastern and international issues, and its proactive mediation in international crises. The country’s humanitarian outreach to affected populations and its efforts to strengthen ties with major powers have reinforced its standing as a trusted regional and global power.

Mutual understanding and cooperation

High-level visits are one of the UAE’s diplomatic tools for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation. Notably, the UAE has played a visible mediating role in the Russia-Ukraine war, positioning itself as a constructive actor in efforts to reach agreements that could end the conflict. Relations between Abu Dhabi and Moscow are characterized by open dialogue, balance, and a wide range of shared priorities, chief among them global stability. This is why the UAE diplomacy focuses on promoting peaceful solutions, respecting state sovereignty, embracing multilateralism, and bolstering global security.

Economically, the relationship is expanding steadily. In 2024, non-oil trade between the UAE and Russia reached $11.5 billion, a 5 percent increase over 2023. Russia’s exports to the UAE are led by precious metals and stones, industrial metals, machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemicals, timber, paper and cardboard, and agricultural products. In turn, the UAE exports boats, furniture, lighting equipment, coffee, tea, and spices to Russia. Both sides aim higher, seeking to double trade between them over the next five years.

Agreements on investment and transport

During the latest round of talks between the two leaders, the two countries signed two agreements on investment and transport. These will allow the UAE to provide services in information technology, education, aircraft maintenance, maritime and traditional transport. Russia, in turn, will open its markets further to Emirati products and services to increase the volume of bilateral trade. The UAE is already the largest Arab investor in Russia, accounting for over 80% of total Arab investment, especially in advanced technology and infrastructure. The human and cultural connection is also strong: in 2024 alone, 2 million Russian tourists visited Abu Dhabi and Dubai, attracted by the UAE’s status as a preferred destination for both Russian tourists and investors.

Over the years, UAE-Russia relations have grown deeper. One of the key milestones in these relations is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The agreement aims to boost non-oil trade, reduce customs tariffs, and remove trade barriers, in line with the UAE’s policy of strengthening commercial and economic ties with influential economies to attract $150 billion in foreign investment.

The UAE and Russia also cooperate within multiple blocs and alliances, including OPEC+, where they coordinate oil production policies, supply management, and price stabilisation. More than a year ago, the UAE joined BRICS, of which Russia is a co-founder. It is seen as a bloc with the potential to reshape the global economy. Moreover, both countries share common positions on major international issues, with a particular focus on the Middle East. They agree that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict should be resolved through diplomacy as the only viable path toward a two-state solution.

Joint work

On the security front, the two countries work together to promote peace, world solidarity, and counterterrorism. They coordinate on policing and security issues, with joint initiatives in strategic police dialogue, child protection training, and combating crime. Institutions from both sides conduct joint training programmes to combat organised crime, drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation, as well as cybercrime, environmental crimes, and the protection of cultural heritage, deepening their collaboration in the fight against transnational crime.

The two countries’ stances on several regional and international issues are closely aligned, with each seeing the other as a reliable partner. Together, they strive to maintain peace and security in the Middle East and globally, advocating for a multipolar world order and political and diplomatic settlements to conflicts and fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue to reject extremism and terrorism. This vision is supported by a robust framework of political communication and multi-level cooperation.

The UAE-Russia relationship, which spans more than five decades, is built on mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and multi-dimensional cooperation: economic, political, and international. Central to the UAE’s foreign policy is openness to all global powers through positive, balanced relations that serve national interests, enhance global stability, and reinforce the UAE’s role as a trusted mediator and bridge-builder between nations.

Mediating role

This was evident in the Russia-Ukraine war, where the UAE played an accepted mediating role, helping secure prisoner exchanges from both sides. From the outset, the UAE chose not to be drawn into polarisation, preferring to act as a neutral mediator committed to resolving the crisis rather than siding with any party.

In its pursuit of development partnerships around the world, the UAE focuses on strategic alliances with influential countries to address shared global challenges, achieve sustainable development, and promote prosperity. This approach strengthens the country’s diplomatic weight and cements its position as a global economic and financial hub. By building strategic partnerships with major economies, the UAE opens new horizons for future growth within a diversified and sustainable economy, advances cutting-edge technologies, and harnesses its capabilities to propose initiatives and solutions to regional and international conflicts and crises.

Dr Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali is CEO and Founder of TRENDS Research & Advisory, and Senior Researcher