The Russia-UAE Business Council and the UAE Food Cluster signed a strategic cooperation agreement during the Make it in the Emirates Forum 2026 in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and food security collaboration.
The agreement was formalized by Alexander Vinokurov, Chairman of the Russia-UAE Business Council and President of Marathon Investment Group, and Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food and Beverage Business Group.
Strengthening Bilateral Trade and Food Industry Cooperation
The newly signed agreement aims to deepen cooperation across the food sector by enhancing joint investments, facilitating market access, and strengthening resilient supply chains between Russia, the UAE, and third-country markets.
This partnership reflects the complementary nature of the two economies, where both countries specialize in distinct product categories that reinforce rather than compete with each other. As a result, the agreement lays a strong foundation for sustainable trade growth and industrial collaboration.
Early progress is already visible. With support from the Russia-UAE Business Council, products from 15 UAE manufacturers—including confectionery, dried fruits, and cosmetics—have successfully entered Russian retail markets. Efforts to introduce Russian goods into the UAE market are also actively underway.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Under the framework of the agreement, both parties will provide institutional and strategic support across four priority areas:
- Joint development of projects within the food industry
- Facilitation of mutual market access for businesses
- Establishment of resilient logistics and trade corridors
- Advancement of food security strategies and agro-industrial localization programs
These initiatives are designed to address global supply chain vulnerabilities while promoting long-term economic resilience.
Alignment with UAE’s National Food Security Strategy
The agreement comes at a strategically important time, aligning with the UAE’s growing focus on supply chain resilience and food security. On April 29, 2026, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the National Programe to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience, aimed at safeguarding essential goods such as food, medicine, and industrial supplies against global disruptions.
The Russia-UAE partnership is expected to contribute directly to these national objectives by fostering integrated supply systems and strengthening cross-border trade networks.
Expanding Cooperation Beyond Bilateral Markets
In addition to bilateral engagement, both sides are exploring opportunities to collaborate in third-country markets. By leveraging the UAE’s advanced logistics infrastructure, ports, and global trade connectivity, the partnership aims to develop integrated supply chain models for broader international markets.
This approach reflects a strategic shift toward global supply chain integration, positioning both countries as key players in international food trade and distribution networks.
About the Organizations
The Russia-UAE Business Council plays a central role in promoting international trade, supporting Russian companies in accessing global markets, and attracting UAE investments into Russia. Its membership spans key sectors, including energy, transport, telecommunications, finance, and technology.
The UAE Food Cluster, operating under a government mandate, brings together stakeholders across the food value chain from agriculture and processing to retail and hospitality—supporting the development of a resilient and secure national food system.
A Key Platform for Industrial Growth
The Make it in the Emirates Forum 2026, held from May 4–7 in Abu Dhabi, is the UAE’s flagship platform for industrial development and investment. The event’s fifth edition has attracted over 120,000 visitors and more than 1,200 exhibiting companies, highlighting its growing importance in shaping regional and global industrial strategies.
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