UAE-Russia Trade Pact Kicks In, Boosting Bilateral Economic Ties

The UAE-Russia Trade in Services and Investment Agreement has officially taken effect, marking a significant milestone in bilateral economic relations. The agreement was signed on August 8, 2025, by Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Maxim Reshetnikov, Russian Minister of Economic Development.

The TISIA provides a dedicated framework for services and investment between the two nations, complementing the existing Economic Partnership Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. This comprehensive architecture governing trade in goods, services, and investment is expected to unlock significant opportunities for businesses and investors in both countries.

Russia is a major economic partner for the UAE, with non-oil trade reaching $20.4 billion in 2025, a 77.7% increase compared to 2024 and nearly double the 2022 level of $10.8 billion. The agreement aims to bolster collaboration across high-growth services sectors, including fintech, healthcare, transport, logistics, and professional services.

Al Zeyoudi stated that the entry into force of the TISIA represents the full activation of a comprehensive trade and investment framework that will drive long-term, sustainable growth and shared prosperity. The UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme reflects its commitment to open, rules-based trade to drive economic growth, diversification, and new opportunities for businesses in high-growth markets worldwide.