UAE Strengthens Ties with Russia, May Host Trump-Putin Summit

 In a visit that underscored the United Arab Emirates’ growing diplomatic and economic influence, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Moscow on Thursday for a high-level state visit. The trip not only included a grand ceremonial welcome but also resulted in the signing of a major bilateral agreement — and perhaps more significantly, opened doors for the UAE to potentially host a historic summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

UAE: A Possible Host for Trump-Putin Talks

In comments made during the visit, President Putin suggested that the UAE would be a suitable venue for a meeting with Donald Trump. While no date has been finalized, Russian officials confirmed that discussions with the U.S. are already underway to arrange such a high-level dialogue.

Putin also noted that he is open to meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but emphasized that the “right conditions” are not yet in place for that meeting to happen.

Reports from The New York Times indicate that Trump has proposed the idea of a three-way peace summit involving Putin and Zelensky, and has already shared the concept with European leaders. However, Ukrainian President Zelensky has responded with cautious optimism, stating that while Russia appears more serious about peace, “we must remain alert and not be deceived.”

If confirmed, the UAE’s role as host for such a meeting would reaffirm its status as a trusted global mediator — a position it has been steadily cultivating through years of quiet diplomacy and strategic alliances.

A Grand Welcome for the UAE President

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was welcomed with full state honors as his aircraft was escorted by Russian military jets upon entering Russian airspace. Upon landing at Vnukovo Airport in Moscow, a ceremonial reception was held, including the playing of both national anthems and a formal guard of honour.

Russian President Vladimir Putin personally greeted the UAE leader, and both held discussions aimed at boosting bilateral relations in both political and economic spheres.

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Major Trade Agreement Signed

One of the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of a landmark agreement on trade in services and investment between the two nations. The deal was formalized by Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov and UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

According to Russian officials, the agreement is set to:

• Open up 64 sectors and sub-sectors in the UAE to Russian service providers.
  
• Allow 100% Russian-owned subsidiaries in UAE free zones, including banks, healthcare institutions, and media agencies.
  
• Facilitate collaboration in aviation, education, legal services, consulting, and technical R&D.
  
• Enable UAE firms access to 12 major sectors of the Russian market, particularly aircraft leasing and services.
  

This new deal complements the Free Trade Agreement signed in June 2025 between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the UAE, and aims to increase trade in services from $14 billion to nearly double by 2030.