UAE-Russia Business Forum Kicks Off in Dubai, Fostering Bilateral Economic Ties

Dubai hosted the first UAE-Russia Business Forum today, marking a significant step in economic ties between the two countries. The event brings together corporate leaders, investment funds, government officials, and tech startups to explore new opportunities for collaboration across multiple sectors.

The UAE-Russia Business Council organized the forum, which is set to become an annual event. Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade, Roscongress Foundation, and Marathon Investment Group are backing the initiative. This timing isn't random - it coincides with the 12th meeting of the Joint Russian-UAE Government Committee on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation.

Trade between the UAE and Russia has grown substantially in recent years. The partnership now spans traditional industries like manufacturing, transport, and logistics, plus newer areas including agriculture, digital technology, healthcare, and investments. Both countries are pushing to expand beyond conventional sectors into innovative fields that need fresh approaches.

The main session, titled "Engineering Long-Term Growth: New Opportunities for Both Countries," features Alexander Vinokurov, chairman of the UAE-Russia Business Council. He'll present the council's strategy for boosting economic and trade potential between the nations.

High-profile speakers include UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov, and Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov. Corporate leaders from DP World, VTB Bank, and Gazprom Media Holding are also participating.

The forum's first panel focuses on "Innovation Path Between Russia and UAE: A New Stage of Technological Partnership." This session will launch the first accelerator program designed to support Russian tech companies and startups in the UAE. The program aims to create an integrated system for helping these businesses grow in the Emirates.

Investment discussions take center stage with a dedicated session called "Strategic Joint Investment Dialogue." The Investment Majlis platform is hosting this segment to promote dialogue and introduce new tools for project support. Participants will examine proposed mechanisms for creating a joint UAE-Russia investment platform.

The economic program wraps up with a panel on "Russia and UAE: Shaping the Future System of Trade and Logistics Services." Industry executives from major companies like DVMP (Fesco), Emirates airline, and DP World will discuss developing bilateral export corridors, diversifying trade flows, and finding sustainable multimodal solutions.

For investors and businesses, this forum signals both countries are serious about deepening economic integration. The focus on technology partnerships and logistics infrastructure suggests they're building frameworks for long-term cooperation rather than just one-off deals. The annual format also indicates this relationship will likely continue expanding regardless of global economic shifts.