Russia – Gulf: Prospects for Russian-Arab Youth Cooperation Discussed in UAE
On November 14, the "World of Opportunities" International Business Forum in the UAE featured the session “Russia – Gulf: Challenge 2030”. The session was moderated by Daniil Bisslinger, Advisor on International Affairs to the Head of Rosmolodezh, Director General of the World Youth Festival Directorate.
"Today we are talking not so much about the challenges that our countries are facing until 2030, but rather about the opportunities and chances that are open to us. Thanks to the World Youth Festival and the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation on preservation of its legacy, we are creating a new ecosystem of youth cooperation between Russia and foreign countries. In this respect specifically, it is important to strengthen relations with the Gulf States,” noted Daniil Bisslinger.
The panelists discussed areas of cooperation between Russia and Arab countries, among which they paid special attention to the fields of education, entrepreneurship, trade and tourism.
Co-founder of Alitqan Legal Group Sultan Al-Qahtani from Kuwait spoke on the role of the World Youth Festival in shaping international cooperation.
"Thanks to the World Youth Festival, in March 2024, representatives of the Arab delegation learned that Russia is a state rich in culture and history, where representatives of different nationalities and religions live in peace and harmony. We discovered that your country has many opportunities in different areas. The states of the Arab world and Russia share many universal values, such as generosity, helping your neighbour and respect for family,” said Sultan Al-Qahtani.
He also noted that the success of the Festival contributed to strengthening Arab-Russian relations, particularly in the fields of business and education.
Samir Al-Balushi from Oman, head of a development company, noted the importance of studying Russian for young people in Arab countries. He spoke about Russian investments in the Arab world as a key area of cooperation, and also gave advice to young entrepreneurs and suggested studying the market, production performance and adaptation to modern technological innovations, identifying customer needs, creating new products and services that go beyond consumer expectations, and involving employees at different levels in decision-making.
Muhammad Alsmadi, owner of a restaurant chain in Spain, Jordan and the UAE, noted that it is necessary for Russia and Arab countries to focus on mutual interests.
"Russia is a big country with huge potential. Our countries have many opportunities for cooperation in the fields of education and commerce. We also need to establish relations in the field of computer technology. Artificial intelligence is being actively developed in Russia, which stimulates the development of other areas. In my opinion, our countries should strengthen cooperation in these fields,” Muhammad Alsmadi said.
The expert also mentioned that Russia and Arab states are facing certain challenges, including language barriers between young people, difficulties in accreditation of academic certificates and employment, and that it is necessary to seek joint solutions to these issues.
Sara Abdelalim Aboud, lawyer at Almurshed Legal Consultancy, noted Russia's growing presence in the UAE and spoke about the advantages for business in this Arab country. According to her, the United Arab Emirates is a gateway for Russian investors looking to engage in international trade as the country is located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa and serves as a global trade and logistics center.
Kudzai Dominic Chiwenga, Chairman of the Board of DAVID Agro-Ventures Limited and Founder of the Russia-Zimbabwe Youth Foundation, spoke on the importance of developing youth cooperation.
"The youth represent the driving force of any nation, they are the innovators, the change makers. However, the challenges we face today, from economic instability to technological disruption, require more than just local solutions. They necessitate a collaborative approach that transcends borders, cultures and economies. Imagine a future where young Russians and Arabs come together, share knowledge, experience and perspectives. Thanks to educational programs, we can raise a generation of leaders who understand the particularities of the Russian and Arab markets. Such intercultural cooperation not only promotes mutual understanding, but also improves the expertise of our youth,” said the Zimbabwean expert.
Overview:
The World Youth Festival took place on March 1–7, 2024 in Sirius, according to the Decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin on the development of international youth cooperation. The WYF-2024 brought together 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries.
On the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation, the WYF will be held in Russia on a regular basis – once in six years. Also, every six years 10,000 young people from all over the world will get together at the International Youth Festival, and in between, international themed gatherings and events will be held under the auspices of the WYF. Festival events of various formats will be held in Russia annually.
According to the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation on preservation and development of the Festival legacy, the World Youth Festival Directorate continues work aimed at strengthening international youth cooperation.