The President of the United Arab Emirates arrives in Moscow on an official visit

Russian President Vladimir Putin and United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attend a welcome ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on 29 January 2026 - Maxim Shipenkov / via REUTERS
Sheikh Mohammed's visit underscores the strengthening of the strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Russia at a time of significant regional and global developments

The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will arrive in Moscow on Friday for an official visit to the Russian Federation. 

The visit highlights the strengthening of the strategic partnership between the United Arab Emirates and Russia, at a time of significant regional and global developments. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives at a welcoming ceremony with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on 29 January 2026 - Maxim Shipenkov / via REUTERS

Upon entering Russian airspace, Sheikh Mohamed's plane is expected to be escorted by a formation of military aircraft, a traditional gesture of welcome and respect on the part of the Russian authorities. 

Upon arrival at Vnukovo International Airport, the Emirati president will be received with full official honours in a formal ceremony that will include the playing of the national anthems of both countries. 

The UAE president will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, director general of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, vice-president of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, advisor to the President of the UAE, as well as other sheikhs, ministers and senior officials. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attend a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on 29 January 2026 - Maxim Shipenkov / via REUTERS

Later that day, Sheikh Mohamed will be received by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin for a ceremonial red carpet reception. 

The event is expected to be attended by senior Russian ministers and political figures, including Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. 

The two leaders will exchange greetings and begin high-level talks focused on deepening bilateral relations. 

The discussions are expected to address key areas of mutual interest, such as the economy, trade and investment, energy cooperation and other strategic sectors that support shared development. 

The two leaders will also discuss regional and international issues, including tensions in the Middle East and other relevant global matters. 

The President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin (right), greets Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on 29 January 2026 - Maxim Shipenkov / via REUTERS

This visit is part of the long-standing ties between the United Arab Emirates and Russia, which are celebrating 55 years of diplomatic relations this year. It follows Sheikh Mohamed's visit to Moscow in August 2025 and the recent trilateral peace consultations held in Abu Dhabi. 

International observers note that the meeting is taking place in a dynamic geopolitical context, with both nations playing an influential role in energy markets, cooperation within the BRICS framework and efforts to promote regional stability. 

The official visit highlights the UAE's commitment to balanced diplomacy and constructive partnerships on a global scale, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a key player on the international stage.