Abu Dhabi, October 2025 — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation have convened the second UAE–Russia Strategic Financial Dialogue, reinforcing their shared commitment to innovation-driven economic cooperation.
The high-level talks—co-chaired by H.E. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and H.E. Anton Siluanov, Russia’s Minister of Finance—focused on deepening collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI) applications across public financial management systems.
Strengthening Bilateral Financial Ties Through Innovation
The dialogue explored the integration of advanced digital and AI technologies into fiscal governance, reflecting a broader global shift toward data-driven public-sector management.
Key discussion areas included
AI-based budgeting and forecasting: Exploring the use of predictive analytics for expenditure planning, revenue tracking, and fiscal-risk management.
Smart payroll systems: Deployment of AI tools to automate and verify public-sector payroll processing, reduce human error, and enhance financial transparency.
Digital economy cooperation: Exchanging experiences in the regulation and taxation of digital assets, fintech operations, and blockchain-enabled services.
Institutional capacity building: Establishing joint training, technical cooperation, and policy-design programs to advance the responsible use of AI in finance.
Both sides emphasized that AI should not only optimize operations but also strengthen accountability, traceability, and fiscal sustainability across public-sector entities.
Expanding Cooperation Beyond AI
Beyond technological collaboration, the meeting reviewed bilateral progress in trade, taxation, and investment frameworks.
Key developments included:
Review of the UAE–Russia Double Taxation Agreement, aimed at fostering a more transparent and efficient cross-border investment environment.
Joint working groups on sovereign wealth fund cooperation, infrastructure finance, and financial market connectivity.
Continued efforts to expand trade volumes, which have grown significantly—reaching approximately AED 24.4 billion (USD 6.6 billion) in the first half of 2025 alone.
These discussions reaffirmed the UAE’s role as a global financial bridge between East and West, fostering collaborative frameworks that promote investment security and technological advancement.
Strategic Importance for the UAE
The dialogue reflects the UAE’s ongoing pursuit of digital excellence and fiscal innovation within its “We the UAE 2031” vision.
Integrating AI into public financial management supports several national priorities:
Efficiency and agility in government spending and service delivery.
Enhanced fiscal discipline through real-time oversight and predictive analytics.
Global competitiveness by positioning the UAE as a pioneer in AI-driven governance.
Attractiveness to investors, who increasingly value jurisdictions with transparent, tech-enabled regulatory environments.
From a legal and compliance perspective, this transition implies more rigorous standards in data management, auditing, and algorithmic accountability—areas where advisory and consultancy roles will expand in importance.
Implications for Businesses and Professionals
The outcomes of the dialogue extend beyond government ministries:
Technology firms may find opportunities in AI solutions, automation, cybersecurity, and data governance for the public sector.
Financial and legal consultants will see new demand for structuring compliance frameworks that align with evolving data-driven finance models.
Investors and institutions can expect a more robust and predictable financial environment supported by digital oversight tools.
For professionals in finance, law, and technology, the UAE–Russia cooperation signals an evolving ecosystem where innovation, compliance, and strategy converge.
Key Takeaway
The UAE–Russia Strategic Financial Dialogue 2025 is more than a bilateral meeting—it represents a visionary step toward AI-enabled public governance.
By embedding artificial intelligence into fiscal planning, auditing, and service delivery, the UAE is redefining the future of public finance while extending its leadership in digital transformation.
