Emerging
May 26, 20261
Russia expects EAEU-UAE economic partnership pact to take effect this year
Russia expects the economic partnership agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and the United Arab Emirates to take effect by the end of 2026. The deal follows a sharp rise in bilateral trade, which Moscow said reached a record $14 billion last year.
Russian officials said the agreement would complement other recent trade and tax accords between Russia and the UAE and help make trade ties more balanced.
Quick Facts
- said the EAEU-UAE economic partnership agreement may enter into force by the end of 2026
- reported a 50% rise in Russia-UAE trade last year
- said bilateral trade reached a record $14 billion
- said Putin signed ratification laws for the agreement
- Denis Manturov
Russia says it expects the economic partnership agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and the United Arab Emirates to enter into force by the end of 2026. The announcement was made by First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov during a working visit to the UAE, according to his office.
Manturov said trade and economic ties between Russia and the UAE have been expanding steadily, citing a 50% increase in bilateral trade last year to a record $14 billion. He said the agreement would help improve the quality of trade and create a more balanced economic relationship.
The planned pact would complement other recent Russian-UAE arrangements, including agreements on free trade in services and the elimination of double taxation. Manturov's office said Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed laws ratifying the EAEU-UAE economic partnership agreement, along with a separate intergovernmental agreement on trade in services and investment.
The EAEU groups Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The agreement with the UAE is part of Moscow's broader effort to deepen commercial ties with Gulf states and expand market access for Russian exports.
Why This Matters
For businesses and policymakers, the deal signals a likely easing of trade barriers and wider market access between the EAEU and the UAE, which could affect exporters, logistics providers, and investors targeting Gulf and Eurasian markets. The record trade growth suggests existing demand is already strong; if ratification and implementation proceed on schedule, firms may want to assess customs, services, and taxation rules now to capture opportunities and avoid compliance delays.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2025
WireRussia-UAE trade turnover increased by 50% to a record $14 billion.
May 26, 2026
WireManturov's office said Putin signed ratification laws for the EAEU-UAE agreement and a separate trade-in-services and investment accord.
May 26, 2026
WireDenis Manturov said the EAEU-UAE economic partnership agreement is expected to enter into force by the end of 2026.