IntroductionThe foreign policy approach of both United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia has witnessed a significant change in recent years. There is no doubt, th

The foreign policy approach of both United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia has witnessed a significant change in recent years. There is no doubt, that both Gulf countries share close strategic and economic links with the US. Yet they have repeatedly highlighted the point, that they would not like to be caught in a position where they need to make a choice between US and China. Even in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, ties of both countries with Russia have not only remained intact, but grown.

The decision of OPEC+ to reduce oil production also had a clear imprint of both Saudi Arabia and Russia – both are keen to ensure that 

 (November 30, 2023), OPEC+ had announced voluntary oil cuts of 2.2 million barrel per day (bpd).

In spite of economic sanctions imposed upon Russia in the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, bilateral trade between 

During Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Saudi Arabia and UAE -- on December 6, 2023 -- several issues were discussed. One of the prominent issues discussed during Putin’s meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) was OPEC+ oil prices. While commenting on the meeting a statement from the 

"In the field of energy, the two sides commended the close cooperation between them and the successful efforts of the OPEC+ countries in enhancing the stability of global oil markets”.

Saudi Arabia and Russia together control over 

During his stop over at UAE, Putin had met with UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Putin highlighted the fact that 

 between UAE and Russia had grown significantly and it was likely to rise further.

Timing of Putin’s visit to UAE and Saudi Arabia

Putin’s visit to the Middle East came at an important time. First, oil prices had fallen to a five month low on 

 in spite of the oil cuts announced by OPEC. Second, it was Putin’s first visit to the Middle Eastern region since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Third, the visit to the Gulf countries took place amidst the Israel-Palestinian conflict. There is no doubt, that bilateral ties between both the Gulf nations -- UAE and Saudi Arabia had significantly improved in recent years.  UAE – along with 

 nations -- had normalized ties with Israel, in 2020, under the Abraham accords, while Saudi Arabia was also moving towards normalization of ties before the beginning of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Saudi Arabia has 

 that normalization with Israel can still go ahead provided a peaceful solution is found to the Palestinian issue).

In the aftermath of the Israel-Palestine conflict, ties between Gulf nations and Israel have witnessed a setback. With Saudi Arabia being especially critical of Israel ever since the beginning of the recent Israel-Palestine conflict in October 2023. Russia has offered to play peace maker. While Moscow has robust relations with Israel, it upset the latter by hosting a 

Geopolitical and economic factors which have resulted in Russia’s strengthening of ties with Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE

 has helped it to enhance its links with the Middle East, it’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict also aligns with that of Islamic nations. The Israel-Palestine conflict was on the agenda, not only during talks between Putin and the leaders of UAE and Saudi Arabia but also during the meeting of the Russian President with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi a day later – December 7, 2023. Putin in his meeting with the UAE President hailed the role of 

 as a non-current member of the United Nations (UNSC). Both sides also discussed the current situation in the Middle East.

 Iran’s ties with Russia began to strengthen after the US withdrawal from JCPOA/Iran nuclear deal. Both countries are also working towards a 

 Defence ties between both countries have also grown significantly. An agreement has been tied between Iran and Russia, whereby Iran will 

 Su-35 multirole fighters, Mil Mi-28 attack helicopters, and Yak-130 jet trainers from Russia .

Ties between Gulf nations – Saudi Arabia and UAE – have improved because of the changing geopolitical landscape, in the Middle East and globally, especially the attempt of both these countries to re-shape their foreign policy, as mentioned earlier, and reduce dependence upon the US. Like other Middle Powers they have sought to strike a fine balance in their relations giving precedence to their national interests.

In conclusion, given the overall geopolitical situation and the global oil situation, Russia’s ties with Gulf nations – especially UAE and Saudi Arabia - and Iran are only likely to strengthen. Putin is also likely to project Russia as a potential peace maker in the Middle East.

Putin’s visit to UAE and Saudi Arabia: The key take-ways for the Middle East and beyond

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