Russian investments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) exceed those of the UAE, according to Vladimir Putin, revealing a substantial Russian financial presence in the region.
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In a significant development, the economic relationship between Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly intensifying. This is evident from the recent agreements signed by the two nations to boost cooperation in investments, trade in services, and transportation.
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Sovereign Fund of the UAE and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) have a strong relationship, and the area of investment activities is under his watchful eye. Putin also appreciates the trust placed in Russian specialists in investment activities.
As of August 2025, Russia's investments in the UAE significantly exceed Emirati investments in Russia by almost two times, indicating strong Russian capital flows into the UAE market. The bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached $11.5 billion, a figure both sides aim to roughly double within the next five years, reflecting ambitions for rapid growth in economic ties.
In comparison, the current trade turnover between Russia and Eurasian countries stands at around $30 billion, significantly higher than the Russia-UAE trade turnover. The UAE president has expressed a desire to double the trade volume both bilaterally and with Eurasian countries over five years, suggesting a strategic push to strengthen economic links in both regions.
Russia's active engagement with the Eurasian Economic Union, including tariff reductions on about 85% of commodity positions, is facilitating trade growth in Eurasia. However, the details of Russia's investments and trade integration efforts in Eurasia are not explicitly quantified but are considered substantial.
In summary, while Russia's trade and investment volumes are currently larger with Eurasian countries than with the UAE, the Russia-UAE economic relationship is rapidly intensifying, supported by new agreements and a favorable investment environment. Russia's particularly strong investment presence in the UAE contrasts with the substantial but less specifically quantified investments and trade integration efforts in Eurasia.
The mutual investments between Russia and the UAE are growing, and the results of these investment activities are yielding positive outcomes for Russia. Putin maintains high-level political contacts with the UAE, which undoubtedly contributes to the strengthening of these economic ties.
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) shares a strong relationship with the Sovereign Fund of the UAE, particularly in the area of investment activities.
Investments from Russia in the UAE significantly exceed Emirati investments in Russia, indicating a strong capital flow of Russian finance into the UAE business market.