The UAE and Russia signed a declaration of intent to form a joint task force aimed at strengthening co-operation in the energy sector, particularly in clean energy.
The two countries agreed to collaborate in developing the hydrogen sector to boost clean energy production.
The declaration of intent was signed during a joint meeting at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition Conference on Tuesday.
"Similar partnerships could help to implement the plans for transitioning into clean energy and assist both countries in drafting projects and initiatives that support the Paris climate change agreement," said Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary of for Energy and Petroleum Affairs in the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
The agreement comes as major oil producers such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Russia revealed their targets to achieve net zero emissions by the middle of the century.
These countries are expected to significantly boost their investments in clean energy to cut emissions and develop more sustainably.
The UAE has pledged to invest Dh600 billion in clean energy over the next three decades as it seeks to reduce carbon emissions by 2050.
Currently, the Gulf country has the world’s cheapest solar power and is home to three of the largest solar complexes in the world. It is also the first Arab country to develop a peaceful nuclear energy programme.
The UAE plans to become a key player in the hydrogen fuel industry and revealed a programme called the UAE Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap at the Cop26 summit. The road map is expected to help it to use the clean fuel to assist its transition.
Under the latest deal, the UAE and Russia will develop artificial intelligence and digital services, exchange expertise and share best practice in the clean energy sector, including the use of hydrogen.
The declaration of intent "represents the strength of bilateral economic relations between the two countries", said Pavel Sorokin, Russia's Deputy Minister of Energy.
Russia expects to intensify co-operation with the UAE at all levels, he said. The two countries enjoy strong trade and investment ties, both in the energy and non-energy sectors.
Non-oil bilateral trade grew 8 per cent annually to $3.7bn in 2019, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, said earlier this year.
Adipec 2021 - in pictures
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Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, speaks at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference. All photos: Victor Besa / The National -
Mohamed El-Erian, chief economic adviser of Allianz, addresses a session at Adipec. -
Paul Polman, former chief executive of Unilever and co-chair at Global Commission for Economy and Climate, attends a session at Adipec. -
Adipec participants attend a session with Paul Polman, former chief executive of Unilever and co-chair at Global Commission for Economy and Climate, holding centre stage. -
Adipec will run from November 15 to November 18 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. -
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, says oil and gas industry will have to invest more than $600bn annually until 2030 to keep up with expected demand. -
Adipec 2021 is the first major global event after Cop26, which concluded on Sunday. -
Adipec is said to be a critical bellwether for the fortunes of the energy industry in the middle of great change. -
Dr Fatih Birol, left, executive director of International Energy Agency, and John Defterios, Professor of Business at NYU Abu Dhabi attend an Adipec session. -
This year's event is taking place after the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain all committed to achieving a net-zero future by the middle of the century. -
Alfred Stern, chief executive of OMV, attends a panel discussion on 'What is the New Normal for Demand?' -
Yousef Gamal El Din, anchor of Bloomberg, and Russell Hardy, chief executive at Vitol, during a session on 'Trading Spotlight: The Diversification of Energy Markets'. -
Nicolas Terraz, of TotalEnergies, attends Adipec session on 'What is the New Normal for Demand?' -
Yaser Al Mazrouei, executive director of Upstream Directorate at Adnoc, attends the Adipec session on 'What is the New Normal for Demand?' -
Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and chief executive of Baker and Hughes, during the Adipec session on 'What is the New Normal for Demand?' -
Mansoor Al Hamed, chief executive of Mubadala Petroleum, attends the Adipec session on 'What is the New Normal for Demand?' -
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, attends the opening ceremony at the 37th Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Conference and Exhibition. Photo: @HHMansour via Twitter -
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and Dr Sultan Al Jaber take in the atmosphere at the 37th Adipec. Photo: @HHMansour via Twitter
