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Economy·22 August 2026

UAE-Russia Trade in Services and Investment Agreement Enters Force

The Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA) between the UAE and Russia has officially come into effect, deepening bilateral economic relations.

The Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA) between the United Arab Emirates and the Russian Federation has officially entered into force, signifying a major step forward in economic cooperation between the two nations. This agreement is designed to enhance market access for services exports, bolster protections for investors, and foster new opportunities for private sector collaboration across various high-growth service sectors.

Signed on 8 August 2025 in Moscow, the TISIA was inked by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Maxim Reshetnikov, Russian Minister of Economic Development, during a visit by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Russia.

Comprehensive Economic Framework

This dedicated bilateral framework focuses specifically on services and investment, complementing the broader Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which already covers trade in goods at a regional level. Together, these two agreements create a comprehensive structure for governing trade in goods, services, and investment between the UAE and Russia.

According to Al Zeyoudi, the combined effect of the TISIA and the EAEU EPA fully activates a robust trade and investment framework, unlocking significant opportunities for businesses and investors. Russia is a vital economic partner for the UAE, with bilateral non-oil trade reaching US$20.4 billion in 2025. This figure represents a 77.7% increase compared to 2024 and nearly double the US$10.8 billion recorded in 2022.

Key Sectors and Benefits

The TISIA is specifically aimed at boosting collaboration in key service sectors, including:

  • Fintech
  • Healthcare
  • Transport
  • Logistics
  • Professional services

By establishing clear rules and protections for services trade and cross-border investment, the agreement seeks to reduce barriers to market entry, facilitate the movement of professionals, and create a more predictable and stable environment for businesses operating in both markets. The EAEU, of which Russia is a member, comprises five nations with a combined population of 200 million and a GDP approaching US$5 trillion.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What is the purpose of the UAE-Russia TISIA?
The TISIA aims to facilitate greater market access for services exports, strengthen protections for investors, and create new opportunities for private sector collaboration in high-growth sectors such as fintech, healthcare, transport, logistics, and professional services.
When was the TISIA signed?
The Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA) was signed on 8 August 2025 in Moscow during a visit by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Russia.
How does the TISIA complement existing agreements?
The TISIA specifically covers services and investment, complementing the Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) which addresses trade in goods at a regional level. Together, they form a comprehensive framework.
What was the value of UAE-Russia non-oil trade in 2025?
Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Russia reached US$20.4 billion in 2025, marking a 77.7% increase compared to 2024 and nearly double the US$10.8 billion recorded in 2022.
Which specific sectors are targeted by the TISIA for collaboration?
The agreement aims to deepen collaboration across priority service sectors including fintech, healthcare, transport, logistics, and professional services.
Reported by
Logistics & Data-Centre Real Estate · Google News — UAE Economy & Investment
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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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