From missiles to mega-deals: Russia is the UAE’s sovereign choice

The two nations share an understanding that the West’s hegemony hinders regional autonomy and the emergence of new centers of power

On August 7, the president of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, paid a working visit to Moscow, during which he held extensive talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The meeting, which lasted approximately three and a half hours, underscored the strategic nature of the bilateral relationship and the mutual commitment to its continued strengthening. President Mohammed bin Zayed reaffirmed the UAE’s readiness to keep “building bridges” with Russia, while President Putin highlighted the “special significance” of diplomatic ties between the two nations, noting a marked increase in mutual investment flows.

On the sidelines of the talks, two significant agreements were signed. The first – an agreement on trade in services and investment – was concluded by the economy ministers of the two countries, Maksim Reshetnikov and Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. The second, a memorandum of understanding in the field of land transport, was signed by Russian Transport Minister Andrey Nikitin and UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei. These agreements reflect the steady trend toward deepening economic and infrastructure cooperation.

The relationship between Russia and the UAE rests on a robust legal and institutional framework that has been evolving since the early 1990s. Among the cornerstone documents are agreements on trade, economic and technical cooperation, military-technical collaboration, investment protection, nuclear energy cooperation, extradition, and legal assistance. Of particular importance are the Declaration on Strategic Partnership signed in 2018 and the agreement on the elimination of double taxation concluded in February 2025. The Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, active since 1994, plays a key coordinating role in bilateral affairs, and the Russian-Emirati Business Council has been operating since 2006.

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Economic cooperation between the two countries has reached an unprecedented level. The UAE is Russia’s leading trading partner in the Arab world, with bilateral trade reaching a record $11.8 billion in 2023 and growing by 80% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Russia has made significant investments in the UAE economy, with total investments exceeding $25 billion, while Emirati direct investments in Russia have reached $17 billion. Notable joint projects include investment company Mubadala’s participation in Russian oil assets, the construction of the Tawila-Fujairah gas pipeline, involvement in the Barakah nuclear power plant, and cooperation with Rosatom on the supply of enriched uranium.

Military-technical cooperation remains a key area of engagement. Over the years, the UAE has procured Russian-made Pantsir-S1 air defense systems, Kornet anti-tank missiles, BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, and related munitions, while also modernizing previously supplied equipment. The UAE’s continued interest in Russian defense technologies is regularly reaffirmed at international exhibitions such as IDEX.

Collaboration is also expanding in high-tech sectors. In 2019, Roscosmos organized the flight of the first Emirati astronaut to the International Space Station, and in 2023, the PHI-Demo satellite was launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. In 2021, the two countries signed a cooperation agreement on the peaceful exploration of outer space.

The cultural, humanitarian, and educational dimensions of the Russia-UAE relationship are also gaining momentum. In 2024, a branch of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics was opened in Dubai, and a Center for International Cooperation began operating at the Primakov Gymnasium in Moscow Region. Plans are also underway to establish a “Russian University” in the UAE. In June 2024, the two countries signed a cooperation agreement in the field of sports.

Tourism plays a vital role in bilateral ties. Since the introduction of visa-free travel between Russia and the UAE in 2018, tourist flows have significantly increased. In 2024 alone, 1.47 million Russian citizens visited the Emirates, and the number of Emirati tourists traveling to Russia also saw noticeable growth.

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The UAE traditionally pursues a balanced and neutral foreign policy, including on the issue of the Ukraine conflict, where it consistently advocates for a diplomatic resolution. The country has repeatedly acted as a mediator in humanitarian efforts, including prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine – involving more than 3,700 individuals – and, notably, a prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington in April 2025.

Frequent high-level visits underscore the close and trusting nature of Russian–Emirati relations. Putin has visited the UAE three times during his presidency – in 2007, 2019, and 2023. Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has traveled to Russia both as crown prince and as president, with visits in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. These visits have featured substantive negotiations, participation in multilateral summits (including BRICS), and a continued deepening of his personal rapport with Putin. He has consistently voiced support for Russia’s efforts to promote a multipolar world order, particularly through platforms such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

In recent years, relations between Moscow and Abu Dhabi have acquired a truly strategic character, marked by deep mutual understanding and alignment on a broad range of both regional and global issues. The UAE and Russia are steadily expanding their political dialogue and strengthening bilateral cooperation that goes far beyond pragmatic economic interests.

One of the central pillars of their cooperation is joint engagement in resolving Middle Eastern conflicts. The UAE is actively involved in diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace in Libya, coordinating its steps with Moscow. Both countries advocate for political settlement and inclusive national dialogue among the conflicting parties, while sharing common positions in supporting Libya’s territorial integrity and opposing foreign interference that undermines the country’s internal stability.

Equally important is their coordination on the Syrian settlement. According to several credible sources, Abu Dhabi – in tandem with Riyadh – has served as a mediator and trusted communication channel in the process of reviving dialogue between Moscow and the Syrian government in Damascus. This mediating role reflects the high level of trust between the UAE and Russia, as well as the Emirates’ commitment to advancing regional stability with Russia’s active involvement.

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Abu Dhabi’s foreign policy strategy is rooted in a principle of multi-vector diplomacy. Within this context, Russia is regarded not merely as an important partner, but as one of the few remaining global powers capable of playing an independent and constructive role in resolving complex international crises. The UAE values Russia’s ability to act consistently, independently of short-term pressures, and to focus on long-term interests in regional security amid evolving global challenges.

Moreover, the UAE’s aspiration to deepen its ties with Russia reflects a strategic commitment to diversifying its foreign policy and economic partnerships. For Abu Dhabi, strengthening its relationship with Moscow enables the pursuit of a more balanced foreign policy – one that is not limited to exclusively Western orientations. This approach allows the Emirates to maintain flexibility and independence amid global turbulence, positioning their partnership with Russia as a vital instrument for regional stability and for enhancing their own standing within the international system.

Another key factor drawing Russia and the United Arab Emirates closer together is their shared vision of the need to reshape the global order – one in which the role of non-Western states is defined more equitably and aligned with their true weight and potential. Both countries believe that the current architecture of international relations, shaped in the post–Cold War era, no longer reflects the balance of power and interests in the 21st century. From the perspectives of Moscow and Abu Dhabi, the Western monopoly on interpreting norms, priorities, and “correct” development models has become a source of global imbalances, crises, and conflicts – obstructing sustainable development and depriving much of the world of a genuine sovereign choice.

Russia consistently advocates for the creation of a multipolar world where no single power or bloc can impose its will on the rest of humanity. In this context, the UAE’s position largely aligns with that of Russia. Abu Dhabi increasingly recognizes that the continuation of Western global hegemony – based on unilateral force, sanctions, and the imposition of “universal” values – hinders regional autonomy and the emergence of new centers of power. The Middle East, long viewed merely as an arena for foreign interests, is now confidently asserting itself as a sovereign actor in global affairs, capable of influencing key international processes.

As one of the region’s most pragmatic and forward-looking players, the UAE understands that unlocking the full economic, political, and civilizational potential of the Middle East requires a transition to a more inclusive and balanced international system. Such a system must reject destructive hegemony and double standards, and instead recognize the legitimacy of diverse development paths – free from coercion, interference, or ideological dictates.

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It is within this framework that the UAE’s decision to join the BRICS format should be seen. For Abu Dhabi, this move is not merely a symbolic foreign policy gesture, but a reflection of a deeper strategic calculus. Within BRICS, the UAE sees the potential for a new model of global leadership – multilateral, balanced, and rooted in dialogue, development, and respect for sovereignty. Participation in this bloc enables the Emirates not only to deepen ties with key powers such as Russia, China, and India, but also to contribute to building alternative mechanisms of global governance that reflect the interests of the majority, rather than the privileges of the few.

Thus, the strategic partnership between Russia and the United Arab Emirates is built not only on their shared approach to global transformation, but also on a strong mutual interest in realizing the full spectrum of bilateral potential. Both countries consistently demonstrate their readiness to advance cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and tangible benefit. Given the high level of political trust and the growing depth of strategic dialogue, it is safe to say that Russian–Emirati relations will continue to evolve along two key trajectories.

On one hand, they are working together to shape a new world order in which both Russia and the UAE act as independent and active global players united by a common vision for a more just and balanced system of international relations. On the other, they are steadily expanding practical cooperation across a wide range of fields – including trade, investment, energy, logistics, advanced technologies, agriculture, tourism, and culture. Both capitals are committed to pursuing concrete initiatives that will lay the foundation for a resilient economic architecture capable of delivering meaningful benefits to both sides.

Of particular importance is collaboration in advanced sectors – from the development of peaceful nuclear energy and renewables to digital technologies and innovative manufacturing. At the same time, growing attention is being given to humanitarian and educational exchanges, including at the level of academic and cultural institutions. Under these conditions, the relationship between Moscow and Abu Dhabi is evolving into more than just a component of regional or global diplomacy – it is maturing into a comprehensive alliance that reflects the depth and maturity of their mutual interests. In the long term, this will enable both countries not only to adapt to a changing world, but also to help shape it – in line with their sovereign priorities and long-term strategic goals.