In brief
In a high‑profile meeting held on 1 November 2026 at Al Rumailah Palace, Fujairah’s ruler welcomed Novatek’s chairman Leonid Mikhelson and a delegation. The discussion focused on development projects in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) and broader strategies to deepen energy and services cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Russia. The session aimed to enhance the zone’s investment appeal and position Fujairah as a strategic petroleum hub.
At Al Rumailah Palace on 1 November 2026, H.H. Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah invited Leonid Mikhelson, chairman of the Russian oil company Novatek, and his delegation for a bilateral talks session. The visit occurred during a weekend full of diplomatic engagements across the UAE and abroad.
The ruling emir highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation with Russia in the energy sector and related industries. He noted that such engagement reflects the UAE’s broader strategic approach to build partnerships, promote investment and share expertise across key sectors. The summit reinforced Fujairah’s position as a strategic hub for the trade and storage of petroleum products, while supporting the emirate’s sustainable development objectives.
Fujairah officials present at the meeting included Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Director of the Fujairah Emiri Court; Mohammed Al Afkham, Director General of Fujairah Municipality; and Salem Al Afkham, Director of the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ). The delegation underlined the need to maintain rapid growth in the energy sector and to enhance infrastructure efficiency and service reliability.
FOIZ Development and Investment Opportunities
The core of the discussion centered on a number of development projects in the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone. The zone’s expansion includes plans to increase storage and processing capacity, as well as to upgrade logistical infrastructure. H.H. Sheikh Hamad underscored that the emirate aims to keep pace with global energy trends by adopting advanced technologies and fostering a business environment that attracts foreign investment.
Key points of the conversation included the exploration of joint ventures between Fujairah authorities and Novatek, in which Russia’s expertise in upstream production and fleet management could complement UAE logistics capabilities. Both parties also examined opportunities for technological exchanges, training partnerships, and the potential for new service sectors to support the oil and gas value chain.
Strategic Partnerships Beyond Energy
While the energy agenda dominated the agenda, H.H. Sheikh Hamad emphasized that the collaboration extends to related services industries. He stressed the value of cross‑border initiatives in areas such as maritime logistics, customs facilitation, and maritime security, all of which are critical to maintaining efficient trade flows through the Straits of Hormuz— a key maritime chokepoint adjacent to Fujairah.
Both sides also discussed frameworks for cooperation in research and development, particularly in renewable energy conversion technologies that could complement hydrocarbon operations. The meeting’s outcomes reinforced a shared vision of sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship.
Discussions concluded with an expression of mutual commitment to further explore joint projects. The meeting, attended by senior Emirati officials and representatives from Novatek, underscored the UAE’s broader strategy of diversifying international partnerships, especially in the energy sector, and expanding its footprint in global markets.
