UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi visited the Eurasian Economic Forum 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Regional leaders, policy makers and business figures gathered there to discuss the future of trade, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and cross-border economic cooperation.
Held on May 28-29, 2026, the 5th Eurasian Economic Forum addressed the role of artificial intelligence in the next stage of economic integration. The theme of this year’s forum, “The EAEU in the Global Digital Race: Betting on Artificial Intelligence,” stressed the growing importance of AI in trade, logistics, manufacturing, tourism, regulation and investment.
UAE Boosts Economic Ties With Eurasia
Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi’s participation highlighted the UAE’s ongoing efforts to expand its global trade network. It also reinforced the country’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with the Eurasian region. This region includes Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. It remains an important market for trade, investment, logistics, and industrial cooperation.
In recent years, the UAE has worked to position itself as a bridge between global markets. The country has signed trade agreements and investment partnerships linking Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. At the forum, discussions focused on digital infrastructure, smart logistics, and emerging technologies. These tools can improve trade flows and support stronger regional cooperation.
AI is at the heart of global trade strategy
Artificial intelligence was a major topic of discussion at the Eurasian Economic Forum 2026. Leaders and experts debated how AI can be used to optimize supply chains, automate trade procedures, implement digital customs systems, enhance product safety standards and improve decision-making in various industries.
For economies looking to grow faster and be more resilient, AI is becoming more than just a technology trend. It is a key element of national competitiveness, trade modernization and economic diversification.
Already, the UAE has made AI a core pillar of its future economy strategy, investing in digital government, advanced technology, smart logistics and innovation-driven industries. Al Zeyoudi’s presence at the forum reinforced the country’s focus on using technology to expand international trade and attract future-focused investment.
Eurasian trade and logistics in the spotlight
The main discussion of the forum was dedicated to Eurasian trade and logistics in a changing global environment. The session focused on trade routes, paperless logistics, smart transport technologies, digital documentation and cooperation with partner countries.
These regions are particularly important as global supply chains change. Governments and businesses are looking for faster, more secure and more efficient ways to move goods across borders. AI-enabled logistics, digital trade platforms and automated customs processes could greatly reduce delays and increase transparency.
Increased cooperation with Eurasian economies could bring new opportunities for the UAE — already a major global logistics and re-export hub — in transport, infrastructure, manufacturing, food security, energy and digital commerce.
Why It Matters for the AI Economy
The Eurasian Economic Forum 2026 showed that artificial intelligence is emerging as a core theme in international economic policy. AI is no longer the domain of software companies or research institutes. It is now a significant consideration in countries’ strategies for trade architectures, infrastructure management, market regulation, and long-term competitiveness.
The next stage of cooperation between the UAE and Eurasian economies could be driven by digital-first trade, AI-powered logistics, and greater investment in advanced technologies. Governments are seeking to diversify their economies and strengthen global partnerships. In this effort, artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful tool for growth.
The UAE’s participation in the Eurasian Economic Forum 2026 reflects its commitment to leading the global trade revolution. The country is supporting a future economy built on innovation, connectivity, and artificial intelligence, Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi said.
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