Russia-UAE Partnership: Gazprom-Media CEO Unveils Roadmap For Creative Industries And Media Collaboration

Alexander Zharov, CEO of Gazprom-Media Holding, highlighted the significant untapped potential between Russia and the UAE. This potential stems from their cultural, technological, and ambitious synergies. During the First UAE–Russia Business Forum in Dubai, Zharov unveiled a strategic partnership roadmap for the media sector between the two nations. A central proposal within this roadmap is to create a Russia–UAE Creative Industries Centre.

The forum, which commenced today in Dubai, is poised to become an annual fixture on both countries' business calendars. Organised by the Russia–UAE Business Council (RUBC) alongside the Roscongress Foundation, it receives backing from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and Marathon Investment Group. The event gathers leaders from major companies, investment funds, relevant ministries, and technology startups from both nations.

Zharov shared insights with Emirates News Agency (WAM) during an interview at the forum's sidelines. He expressed that enhancing cooperation could generate a unique creative momentum. This momentum has the potential to significantly drive economic development in both countries.

Gazprom-Media Holding is already making strides in three collaboration areas with UAE partners. In film distribution, its subsidiary Central Partnership has released 11 Russian films in the UAE since 2023. They plan to transition from individual releases to a more systematic strategy that includes joint cultural initiatives.

The company is also broadening its production activities in the UAE by building on past successful projects. They are preparing a feature film titled "Holidays in the UAE" for submission to the Abu Dhabi rebate programme. Additionally, Gazprom-Media Holding is negotiating with major UAE media organisations to develop joint content and distribution projects as part of advancing co-production efforts.

The First UAE–Russia Business Forum serves as a crucial platform for fostering business relations between these two nations. It brings together key stakeholders from various sectors to explore collaborative opportunities and strengthen ties.

This gathering underscores the commitment of both countries to deepen their economic partnerships through innovative collaborations in media and other industries.

With inputs from WAM