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.

May 27, 2026

Russia Ratifies UAE Free Trade Agreement

Russia has ratified a bilateral free trade agreement with the UAE, making it possible for investors from either country to set up 100% owned companies in each others countries in moves especially pertiment to the services sector. With bilateral trade already over US$12 billion, the move is a strong boost to the UAE business sector during difficult times in the Middle East and is illustrative of Russian longer-term investment planning.

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May 23, 2026

Russia, Turkmenistan Discuss Bilateral Trade

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mikhail Mishuston, had met with the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, in Ashgabat to discuss significant bilateral trade and investment issues. Both are also attending the CIS Annual Heads of Government Meetings. Russia-Turkmenistan developments are being sped up due to the need to create alternative trade routes with Iran.

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May 19, 2026

Russia To Expand Islamic Banking Services

Russia is to expand its Islamic Finance services sector based on the Bahrain model. Several Russian republics have significant Muslim populations, while the aim is also to attract Sharia-compliant inbound foreign investment into the Russian economy.

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May 19, 2026

Iran’s Latest US Peace Proposal Includes Handing Nuclear Material To Russia

Iran has provided its latest ‘peace proposal’ to the United States, which includes the transfer of its nuclear material to Russia for safekeeping. Washingtton had previously insisted it takes possession. Initial reactions from President Trump concerning this new suggestion are positive while President Putin has stated that Russia is prepared to assist.

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May 17, 2026

Russia, Turkmenistan Bilateral Relations May 2026: The Iranian Component 

The Presidents of Russia and Turkmenistan have held bilateral discussions concerning the strengthening of the strategic partnership and cooperation in the trade, economic sectors. This is almost certainly have involved the position as concerns Iran, with both Russia and Turkmenistan fellow Caspian states and able to assist Iran develop its northern coastline and logistics away from problems to the south and the Strait of Hormuz.

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