Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov recently met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to the Russian Federation Mohamed Ahmed Sultan Essa Al Jaber to discuss the further development of trade, economic, investment, and humanitarian cooperation, as well as joint initiatives during the year of the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and the UAE.
The two officials noted the dynamic development of Russian-UAE relations based on traditions of friendship and mutual respect, the principles of equality, and consideration of the interests of both countries. The constructive dialogue between the two countries at the highest level remains the foundation for strengthening bilateral ties and is complemented by active contacts at the intergovernmental, interparliamentary, and interdepartmental levels, as well as interaction between organizations, regions, and representatives of the business community.
“Over their 55 years of diplomatic relations, Russia and the United Arab Emirates have established a solid foundation for a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership. Today, our countries are not only united by a stable political dialogue and growing trade turnover, but also by a desire to intensify practical cooperation in such areas as investment, energy, tourism, and humanitarian affairs. It’s important that our cooperation is becoming increasingly systemic, with representatives from the regions, youth, and small and medium-sized businesses actively engaged in joint efforts. I am confident that the implementation of these new initiatives will provide a further impetus to Russian-UAE relations,” Kobyakov said.
The results of the UAE delegation’s participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2026 was a particular focus during the meeting. The delegation was comprised of 107 people, including representatives of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, private companies, and business associations. The delegation was led by UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri.
During the SPIEF 2026, the UAE Embassy took part in three events: the session ‘UAE–Russia Business Opportunities and SME Partnerships’, the Russia–UAE Business Dialogue, and the discussion ‘Youth as a Bridge for Strengthening Economic Cooperation between the UAE and Russia’. The youth session included video messages from the UAE ambassador and the UAE minister of economy and tourism, which highlighted the role of the new generation in developing bilateral cooperation.
In 2026, the UAE delegation at the SPIEF was expanded to include 18 representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A separate programme was prepared for them, with a specialized session presenting initiatives from UAE companies, B2B meetings, and visits to the chambers of commerce and industry of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. The two sides expressed interest in further expanding the participation of SMEs in Russian-UAE business events.
“The United Arab Emirates delegation’s participation in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum this year confirmed the strong interest of Emirati businesses in intensifying cooperation with their Russian partners. It is particularly important for us that the dialogue encompasses not only large companies, but also small and medium-sized businesses, youth initiatives, tourism, and investment projects. We intend to continue this work at upcoming international events in Russia and hope that new meetings and joint initiatives will contribute to the further strengthening of relations between our countries,” Al Jaber said.
Intensifying cooperation in tourism was another theme addressed during the meeting. The two officials praised the ‘Russia–UAE: A Success Story’ dialogue held as part of the Let’s Travel! International Tourism Forum and noted that tourism exchanges not only promote economic development, but also help to bolster trust as well as cultural and humanitarian ties between the peoples of the two countries. The two sides discussed the possibility of making the Russian-UAE tourism session an annual event.
Representatives of the UAE have also been invited to take part in the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) on 1–4 September 2026 in Vladivostok.
The two sides also discussed the potential participation of UAE representatives in the Falcon Day International Forum, which is traditionally held during the EEF. Falconry is an important part of the cultural heritage and national identity of the UAE, which also participates in international initiatives to preserve rare falcon species and is a signatory to the Framework Declaration of Intent for the Conservation of the Gyrfalcon Population.
The meeting also addressed prospects for intensifying cooperation in the fuel and energy sector. UAE officials have been invited to participate in Russian Energy Week in Moscow on 14–16 October 2026. The participation of representatives from key UAE government agencies and businesses will help to further advance the bilateral dialogue about promising areas of energy cooperation and establish new contacts with Russian organizations.
In addition, the UAE Embassy has been invited to participate in the Russian-Arab Economic Forum, which is slated to be held in Moscow. The new platform aims to intensify the economic dialogue between Russia and Arab countries, promote the elimination of trade barriers, develop direct business contacts, and prepare investment agreements.