Trade turnover between the UAE and the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) continues to grow steadily. By the end of 2025, non-oil trade volume reached over $33.3 billion, a 15% increase compared to the previous year.

The new data was announced during the Eurasian Economic Forum 2026 in Astana, where the UAE was represented by Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

UAE-EAEU Trade Shows Steady Growth

The increase in trade turnover confirms the strengthening of economic ties between the UAE and one of Eurasia's largest integration blocs.

The Eurasian Economic Union includes:

• Armenia;
• Belarus;
• Kazakhstan;
• Kyrgyzstan;
• Russia.

The forum in Astana served as a platform for discussing new areas of cooperation in trade, investment, logistics, and transport infrastructure.

Logistics and New Transport Corridors

One of the central themes of the forum was the development of modern transport routes between EAEU countries and international partners.

Participants discussed:

• the creation of new trade corridors;
• the implementation of paperless logistics systems;
• the digitalization of transport processes;
• the development of international investment projects in logistics.

Special attention was paid to the modernization of transport infrastructure, which plays a key role in developing international trade and accelerating deliveries between regions.

Kazakhstan Remains an Important Partner for the UAE

Special attention was given to the bilateral relations between the UAE and Kazakhstan.

By the end of 2025, the trade volume between the two countries reached approximately $6.1 billion, an increase of 8.6% year-on-year.

Today, the UAE is Kazakhstan's largest trading partner among Arab states.

During the forum, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi held discussions with:

• Andrey Slepnev, Minister for Trade of the Eurasian Economic Commission;
• Arman Shakkaliyev, Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan;
• representatives of the Kyrgyz government;
• the leadership of the Astana International Financial Centre;
• representatives of Kazakhstan's export credit agency.

Economic Partnership Unlocks New Opportunities

A significant factor for further growth was the signing last year of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the UAE and the EAEU.

The document provides for:

• reduction of trade barriers;
• simplification of market access for companies from both sides;
• development of cooperation in industry, logistics, and investments;
• expansion of business opportunities.

According to Al Zeyoudi, cooperation with the EAEU is part of the UAE's strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen international trade ties.

“Our participation in the Eurasian Economic Forum confirms the UAE's commitment to developing economic cooperation with the EAEU. We are creating new opportunities for trade and investment, strengthening the country's position as a global hub for innovation and sustainable development,” the minister noted.

The EAEU's Role in the UAE's International Strategy

Amidst the active expansion of trade agreements with various regions worldwide, the Eurasian Economic Union is becoming an increasingly significant partner for the UAE.

Cooperation covers not only trade in goods, but also areas such as:

• investments;
• transport and logistics;
• digital economy;
• financial services;
• industrial cooperation.

The growth in trade to a record $33.3 billion shows that interaction between the UAE and EAEU countries continues to strengthen, opening new prospects for business and international economic cooperation.