Middle East News & Analysis

Middle East

Russia’s trade and investment into the Middle East is rapidly developing, with relations both through the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League all helping boost bilateral trade by 25% during 2025. Partially driven by the developments along the INSTC, and new regional free trade agreements, we provide analysis of the growing Russia-Middle East economic partnership. Discover trade statistics, investment flows from the GCC, and business opportunities for companies in both regions.

Featured April 4, 2026

Russia’s FESCO Creating An Alliance With UAE’s Largest Port Operator 

Russia’s FESCO Transportation Group and the UAE’s DP World are creating a logistics and shipping alliance that will dwarf all the largest global operators such as Maersk and will develop both the Northern Sea Route as well as look at further developing Middle East-Asia-Central Asia-Russia trade dynamics. The move comes as sanctions and conflicts disrupt traditional routes and will secure Eurasian trade in the longer term.

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Featured April 1, 2026

Russia One Of Just Five Countries Allowed To Pass The Strait Of Hormuz: Global Impact 

Iran has stated it will only allow ships from Russia, China, India, Pakistan and Iraq through the Strait of Hormuz. We look at the wider implications as the conflict spreads beyond military force and is now being impacted by anti-conflict Western financiers with specific implications for Europe, Asia and the United States. Western politicians are no longer being supported by their own backers.

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March 30, 2026

New Multi-Modal Supply Chain Development: Russian Expertise In Saudi Arabia

Russian logistics operators and shipping companies have found themselves in demand in Saudi Arabia due to their expertise in developing new supply chain routes in the wake of sanctions and handling regional conflicts. With the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed for Saudi exports, Russian and Saudi logistics professionals have been working the problem and coming up with creative solutions. It is a trend likely to impact future supply chains in the Middle East, Eurasia, Southeast Asia and Africa.

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March 30, 2026

Russia Sends Humanitarian Medical Supplies To Iran

The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has sent a train consisting of 31 wagons with humanitarian aid for Iran comprising over 300 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies. Thus far, over 1,407 Iranian civilians, and over 210 children have been killed in US and Israeli airstrikes on the country.

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March 25, 2026

Russia’s Red Wings To Fly Krasnodar-Bodrum Direct From June to October 

Russia’s Red Wings airline is to start direct flights from Krasnodar to Bodrum in Turkiye during the period June-October to cater for the summer holiday season. Krasnodar airport was closed for three years between 2022-25 due to the special operation in nearby Ukraine. Russian tourists have become a sought-after commodity as they have higher levels of disposable income than Europeans and spend more at their destinations.

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March 23, 2026

The Price Of Oil And The Value Of The Ruble – 2026 Forward Analysis  

The crisis in the Middle East is drastically affecting Russian oil prices and creating fluctuations in the value of the Ruble. We examine the implications, how the Russian government is benefiting, while at the same time being cautious and managing the situation. We provide analysis of how these issues can be expected to impact the Russian economy and the Russian domestic consumer over the course of this year.

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March 20, 2026

Middle East Logistics Shocks For Russian Imports

The Russian domestic consumer market can expect supply chain difficulties due to the United States and Israeli attacks on Iran. We explain the developing logistics bottlenecks, which products are likely to be impacted and expected price rises.

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March 14, 2026

Russia’s Eurasian Relations Pay Dividends As New Russia-Southeast Asia Aviation Routes Open Up

The Iran conflict has cut off Europe from its normal Southeast Asian aviation routes, yet Russia has been able to call on regional members of the Commonwealth of Independent States, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, as well as its new Asian diplomatic strategy, to reroute flights to the east and use Eurasian connectivity to access Southeast Asian tourist destinations. This move could ultimately open up new transport hubs in Central Asia to service these markets in problems persist in the Middle East.

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