Visit Qatar signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with TT-Travel (FUN&SUN) at ATM 2026 in Dubai. The partnership will launch a dedicated charter programme from October 2026, boosting direct air connectivity and aiming to generate more than 22,000 Russian tourist arrivals to Qatar in 2026/2027 winter, from Moscow and Yekaterinburg.
The BRICS group of nations unanimously adopted a joint declaration during its annual summit in New Delhi, expressing "deep concern" over the war in the Middle East and urged maximum restraint, advocating for a "multilateral approach" that respects national viewpoints.
The UAE joined the trade ministers from the BRICS group as they met in India to discuss ways to strengthen the multilateral trading system, improving trade resilience and market connectivity, as well as supporting SMEs amid growing challenges to global commerce owing to Strait of Hormuz shutdown.
The Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA) between the United Arab Emirates and the Russian Federation has officially entered into force, marking a significant advancement in bilateral economic relations.
Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, operated by Cluster2 Airports, has welcomed its first 2026 seasonal direct flight from Sochi, Russia, operated by Azimuth Airlines, boosting weekly international connectivity and expanding the airport’s route network.
Bilateral trade between India and Russia has reached a record high of nearly $70 billion, driven primarily by Russian oil and fertilizers exports as well Indian pharma products, thus reflecting the growing scope of economic ties between the two countries, a senior Indian government official said.
Russia’s natural gas exports to the European Union (EU) rose by around 18 per cent in the first half of the year, according to the Russian Energy Ministry.
European Union’s (EU) petroleum oil imports remained stable in Q1 2026, with values up 0.8% and volumes down 0.6%, while LNG volumes rose 2.9%. The US led oil and LNG supplies, while Norway dominated pipeline gas imports.
Europe is increasing reliance on US LNG, projected to supply two-thirds of imports in 2026, potentially becoming the EU’s main and costliest gas source amid shifting global supply, according to Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).
Building on the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, the mutual visa exemption agreement between the two countries entered into force on May 11, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing tourism and cultural exchange.
