The UAE is on track to finalise all bilateral services and investment agreements with members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) by the end of 2025, Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi confirmed.
The announcement follows the signing of a new agreement with Russia, complementing the previously concluded Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the EAEU bloc, which also includes Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Belarus.
Progress on Bilateral Deals
- Signed: Russia (today), Belarus (earlier)
- Finalised: Armenia
- Near Completion: Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Dr. Al Zeyoudi said the Russia deal – the second of its kind – underscores the UAE’s expanding role in Eurasia, focusing on strategic sectors such as financial and fintech services, business consulting, hospitality, logistics, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.
Trade Growth with Russia and the EAEU
- UAE–Russia non-oil trade reached US$11.5 billion in 2024, up ~5% year-on-year.
- H1 2025 trade surged 75% over the same period in 2024.
- UAE–EAEU trade grew 27% in 2024 to nearly US$30 billion.
Strategic Significance
The EAEU represents a 200+ million population and is seen by the UAE as a priority market for trade expansion.
The CEPA signed last month with the bloc will liberalise 95% of total trade volume and 85% of tariff lines, paving the way for deeper economic integration.
Dr. Al Zeyoudi stressed that these agreements will boost investment flows, accelerate economic diversification, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global trade hub.
