Vladimir Putin succeeded in the recent elections, securing a new six-year term, thus strengthening his leadership. Just a few days prior, on February 29, 2024, in his annual address to the Russian Federal Assembly, he stated: “Russia has good, long-standing relations with the Arab countries […] and we consider it important to seek new points of contact with our Arab friends to deepen the entire scope of partnerships.” This article highlights the key points from the Russian president’s address, which outlines Russia’s vision until 2030. It compares this vision with Saudi Vision 2030, Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, Dubai Economic Agenda, Qatar Vision 2030, Kuwait Vision 2035 “New Kuwait,” Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, and Oman Vision 2040.
The article explores the path of building bilateral relations until 2030 based on set goals, and examines opportunities for partners to integrate according to their programs using the “smart power” strategy to achieve domestic goals and further strengthen bilateral relations. Thus, these strategic documents, representing visions for the development of countries in both Russia and the Gulf, can serve as tools for building closer dialogue and cooperation.
Shared Development
The strategic vision for Russia’s development until 2030 has garnered significant attention from President Putin, who noted, “Every address to the Federal Assembly is primarily a look into the future. Today, we will talk not only about our immediate plans but also about the strategic tasks and those issues that I consider fundamentally important for the confident long-term development of the country.” The speech also covered important topics such as the importance of family values, the development of science, economic issues, regional development, cultural heritage, and alternative logistics routes. These are areas that can become “points of contact” for deepening bilateral relations between Russia and the Gulf countries.
Economy and science may be key entry points for developing relations between the Gulf countries and Russia. In the near future, Russia plans to become one of the world’s four largest economic powers. The task of developing science and education centers across the country and building 25 universities by 2030 has been set. Additionally, the task of creating an internal cooperative chain and international technology platforms and the geographic exploration for rare earth resources and other raw materials for the new economy has been outlined.
President Putin expressed great interest in using artificial intelligence. The goal is to increase investment in key industries by 70% by 2030. The banking system and stock markets must fully ensure the flow of capital into the real sectors of the economy. Putin also emphasized the development of the agro-industrial complex; Russia is a leading country in the global wheat market. The goal here is to increase export volumes by 150% by 2030 compared to 2021. Russia also hopes to create digital platforms in all key economic sectors and support the constituent entities of the Russian Federation by launching projects in various economic sectors and infrastructure. The main goal is for all regions to become more economically self-sufficient by 2030.
Preserving cultural heritage is another aspect that can help use “smart power” to enhance relations between the Russian Federation and the Gulf countries. Praising old buildings, estates, and temples as embodiments of national identity, Putin proposed a long-term program to preserve Russian cultural heritage sites (for 20 years). At least a thousand cultural heritage sites across the country are to be identified by 2030. A direct “point of contact” between Russia and the Gulf countries mentioned in Putin’s speech is the development of the North-South Transport Corridor, which will connect Russia with the Middle East and Asia to increase rail capacity in the southern direction.
Gulf Approaches
Saudi Vision 2030 focuses on reducing Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil and diversifying its economy. The program includes more than 40 innovative projects. One of the most prominent projects is NEOM, a futuristic area in northwest Saudi Arabia powered 100% by renewable energy. The projects “The Line,” “Oxagon,” “Trojena,” and “Sindala” are part of this initiative.
Cultural and heritage projects, such as the Mohammed bin Salman Project for Historical Mosques Renovation, celebrate Saudi Islamic heritage and rich history. The project’s goal is to restore 130 of the kingdom’s most important mosques. The Royal Arts Complex project will consist of seven distinct cultural sites, each embodying Vision 2030, designed to inspire talent and enrich the cultural sector. The Saudi Genome Program aims to create an innovative database that reflects the genetic blueprint of the Saudi community, revolutionizing healthcare by enabling personalized medicine, reducing healthcare costs, and improving overall quality of life. Other innovative projects include the Khafji Desalination Plant (the world’s largest solar-powered desalination project) and the photovoltaic solar power plant, which apply new solar energy technologies and develop commercial equipment suitable for extreme heat and sandstorms.
Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of key economic growth opportunities and establish a long-term comprehensive economic vision with clear objectives to guide Abu Dhabi’s economic evaluation until 2030. The Dubai Economic Agenda, known as the D33 program, includes key goals such as transforming Dubai into a global economic hub and leader in the digital economy, emphasizing its status as the world’s safest emerging city and an international hub, creating a conducive business environment to stimulate local investment climate, and attracting foreign direct investment to Dubai. It is planned to make Dubai one of the world’s leading financial capitals by 2033.
Qatar Vision 2030 focuses on the responsible exploitation of oil and gas, optimizing carbon resources, balancing reserves and production, and balancing economic diversification and oil depletion. The vision aims to enhance the strength and efficiency of the oil and gas sector to produce advanced technological innovations and stimulate human resource development and economic potential across Qatar.
Kuwait Vision 2035 aims to transform Kuwait into a regional and international financial and commercial center. Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 is a comprehensive plan to create a clear approach to economic development to improve the living standards of all Bahraini citizens. Oman Vision 2040 aims to build a productive and diversified economy based on innovation, role integration, and equal opportunities, leveraging Oman’s competitive advantages, integrating into the global economy driven by the private sector, contributing effectively to international trade, and achieving sustainable development through effective economic leadership.
Smart Power
Joseph Nye’s theories of hard, soft, and smart power remain relevant for explaining international interactions and are still prevalent in academic and political discourse. Hard power involves using physical resources and capabilities to exert influence, while soft power is the ability to co-opt rather than coerce. However, a successful strategy relies on blending soft and hard power, which Nye calls “smart power.”
In this context, there are opportunities for innovation and joint development between Russia and the GCC countries through the creation of joint forums to discuss Vision 2030 programs. For example, a “Russian Federation Vision and Saudi Vision” forum with the participation of all experts and specialists to discuss integration and participation in programs and projects, considering the interests and capabilities of each country. Russia and Saudi Arabia could discuss the possibility of involving Russian specialists in the development of the NEOM project and collaborating in medical and healthcare fields, similar to the Saudi Genome Program. Partnerships could also be directed towards innovative projects at the Khafji Desalination Plant and the photovoltaic solar power plant.
Russia’s cultural and regional projects plans can also be enhanced through collaboration with Arab partners. For example, Russian partners could coordinate with cultural and heritage projects in the GCC, such as the Mohammed bin Salman Project for Historical Mosques Renovation and the Royal Arts Complex.
These efforts could also leverage the heritage of Russian Muslims and their mosques and cultural landmarks. A model example is the “House of Z.G. Galeev,” a famous merchant whose financial contributions supported the construction of the cathedral mosque in Chelyabinsk. Today, this site is a tavern. However, with joint cooperation and in honor of this house, it would be possible to establish an Islamic heritage museum in Chelyabinsk or an Islamic library in the Southern Urals.
Given Kuwait’s interest in becoming a regional and international financial and commercial center and its expertise in this direction, Russia can collaborate with Kuwait on various projects. New projects can be launched in the banking and financial systems amidst new transformations. Given Bahrain Vision 2030’s goal to improve the living standards of all Bahraini citizens, joint programs seem possible to improve family life quality.
Innovative approaches adopted by Oman can also be applied to Russian international technological platforms related to geographic exploration, rare earth materials, and other raw materials for the new economy. Joint gas and oil projects between Russia and Qatar are another potential area of cooperation. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi Vision and Dubai Agenda programs can be integrated with Russian projects in science, economy, and finance, as well as in implementing the North-South International Transport Corridor.
