UAE-Russia services and investment agreement takes effect

An agreement aimed at boosting trade in services and investment between the UAE and Russia has officially come into force.

The Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA) is designed to expand market access for services, strengthen protections for investors and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

It covers high-growth sectors including fintech, healthcare, transport, logistics and professional services, and aims to reduce barriers to market entry and facilitate the movement of professionals.

The agreement was signed in Moscow in August 2025 during the visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Russia.

It was signed by Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Maxim Reshetnikov, Russian Minister of Economic Development.

TISIA complements the separate Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), which covers trade in goods at the regional level.

Together, the agreements establish a framework covering trade in goods, services and investment between the UAE and Russia.

Al Zeyoudi said the new framework would deepen cooperation in priority sectors and create further opportunities for businesses and investors.

Non-oil trade between the UAE and Russia reached $20.4 billion in 2025, up 77.7 per cent compared with the previous year and almost double the $10.8 billion recorded in 2022.