Patrushev pointed to the record trade turnover between Russia and the UAE by the end of 2025

The trade turnover between Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reached a historic high in 2025. This was announced on April 29 by Dmitry Patrushev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.

The Deputy Prime Minister headed the Russian delegation during a working visit to the UAE. It includes representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Natural Resources of Russia. The main topic of the visit is cooperation between the two countries in the trade and economic sphere.

In particular, Patrushev met with Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The parties paid special attention to the creation of the BRICS grain exchange. The initiative was supported by the leaders of all the countries of the association, and the details of its functioning are currently being worked out.

The creation of the BRICS grain exchange will enhance global food security. The participating countries will be able to form independent price indicators within the framework of the association, which will contribute to a more objective assessment of the value of agricultural products on the world market.

In addition, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister met with the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Amna bent Abdullah Al-Dahak Al-Shamsiyah, and the country's Minister of Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zayyudi.

"Thank you for the hospitality and warm welcome of the Russian delegation. 2026 marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations. Despite the difficult international situation, they continue to develop dynamically. We attach particular importance to cooperation in the trade and economic sphere. Last year, the trade turnover reached a historic high. Russian companies are ready to increase shipments of grain, fat and oil products, meat products, and mineral fertilizers to the market of the United Arab Emirates," Patrushev said.

The delegations of the two countries touched upon environmental issues. It was noted that Moscow and Abu Dhabi are successfully cooperating within the framework of the Russian-Emirati working group to discuss issues of biodiversity conservation, waste management and cooperation in the field of hydrometeorology. Patrushev identified the field of geology and subsoil use as a promising area for further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

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On April 9, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced that customs duties would be abolished or significantly reduced for 85% of goods in mutual trade between the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the UAE. The government is also considering the ratification of the agreement on trade in services and investments between the Russian Federation and the United Arab Emirates.

Its implementation will open up access to the UAE market for Russian entrepreneurs in 64 new areas, including engineering, legal, computer, medical services, as well as rail transportation, Mishustin assured. Russian companies will be able to establish branches and take advantage of the UAE's free economic zones.