MUSCAT, FEB 27
Middle Eastern businesses are finding expanding opportunities in Russia as economic cooperation between the two regions shifts from isolated investment deals towards structured, long-term partnerships, according to the Roscongress Foundation.
Russian markets are increasingly viewed by companies from Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar as platforms not only for consumption but also for joint industrial projects, localisation initiatives and technology collaboration.
Interest is being driven by Russia’s large domestic market, established energy and industrial infrastructure, engineering expertise and access to broader Eurasian trade networks.
The Russian Direct Investment Fund has played a central role in fostering this cooperation by partnering with regional sovereign wealth funds on joint investment platforms.
A collaboration with Mubadala channels capital into Russian projects, while similar arrangements with the Public Investment Fund reflect Saudi Arabia’s view of Russia as a strategic destination for long-term investment.
Other institutional investors are also signalling interest. The Qatar Investment Authority has expressed appetite for Russian infrastructure and financial assets, while Masdar is exploring opportunities in energy and green technology projects as part of its international expansion strategy.
Officials estimate that joint initiatives between the Russian fund and Middle Eastern partners amount to tens of billions of US dollars, covering infrastructure, energy, logistics and high-technology sectors.
Key forums such as the St Petersburg International Economic Forum and associated platforms for international business engagement remain central to this cooperation.
The forum acts as a hub for launching cross-border projects and signing investment agreements. In 2026, the event is scheduled for June 3–6, with participants typically including companies from the Middle East and beyond.
Over the years, the forum has facilitated agreements with regional corporations such as ACWA Power in energy and water projects and with DP World on logistics and port infrastructure initiatives.
The Roscongress Foundation emphasises that its role extends beyond event organisation. Through its international platform, it provides analytical support, business matchmaking and follow-up mechanisms aimed at transforming initial contacts into operational projects.
In 2025, the foundation organised business forums in Qatar, Oman, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, underscoring the Middle East’s strategic importance for economic cooperation. That year’s St Petersburg forum attracted more than 24,200 participants from 144 countries and generated 1,060 agreements valued at approximately $80.2 billion, highlighting sustained investor interest in the Russian market.
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