International Cooperation in Digital Technologies: Plekhanov University in Dubai at GITEX 2025
15 October 2025
Plekhanov University in Dubai took part in GITEX 2025 — the world’s largest and most influential technology exhibition and conference — as part of the Russian Digital Mission. A key event of the mission’s visit to the UAE was an expert discussion on the topic “Characteristics of AI Development and Regulation: Russia–UAE Cooperation,” which took place at Plekhanov University in Dubai.
The discussion brought together representatives from the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia, the Russian–Emirati Business Council, the Department of Information Technologies of the Moscow Government, and the Center for Global IT Cooperation, as well as the Digital Attaché of the UAE Trade Mission, and executives from Skolkovo, the Moscow Innovation Cluster, and Softline. Plekhanov University in Dubai was represented by its Director Dr. Svetlana Malkarova, along with Dr. Sanjay Nadkarni, AI researcher, Dr. Alex Jones, and Professor Ahmed Hamed.
Innovation has always been at the heart of Plekhanov University in Dubai’s mission; the university actively supports research and collaboration in emerging technologies, offering future-focused programs such as the master’s program in AI in Education and the master’s program in Digital Business. During its participation at GITEX 2025, Dr. Svetlana Malkarova met with representatives of RAK Innovation City and reached a preliminary agreement on cooperation in organizing student participation within the Startup Graduation Project initiative and internship programs.
During the roundtable discussion “Characteristics of AI Development and Regulation: Russia–UAE Cooperation,” participants explored a range of key themes, including AI governance frameworks, ethical standards, and the application of AI technologies across management, education, healthcare, and public services. The meeting also explored opportunities for joint projects in strategic UAE sectors such as logistics, real estate, tourism, environmental science, and biotechnology.
Dr. Malkarova opened the discussion by emphasizing global cooperation and education, stating:
The meeting resulted in agreements to strengthen Russia–UAE cooperation in technology and education. These include:
• The launch of an Innovation Hub at Plekhanov University in Dubai in November 2025 to support Russian startups entering the UAE market
• The creation of a specialized AI Laboratory focused on the practical application of artificial intelligence
• Collaboration between Dr. Nadkarni and G42 on research related to open AI frameworks.
The Russian–Emirati Business Council also initiated support measures to help Russian IT companies expand into the UAE market and develop joint technological projects.
By supporting the goals of the Russian Digital Mission, Plekhanov University in Dubai helped establish vital connections with the UAE’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem. Events of this scale demonstrated how collaborative efforts contribute to building a responsible, innovative, and globally connected digital future.
The discussion brought together representatives from the Ministry of Digital Development of Russia, the Russian–Emirati Business Council, the Department of Information Technologies of the Moscow Government, and the Center for Global IT Cooperation, as well as the Digital Attaché of the UAE Trade Mission, and executives from Skolkovo, the Moscow Innovation Cluster, and Softline. Plekhanov University in Dubai was represented by its Director Dr. Svetlana Malkarova, along with Dr. Sanjay Nadkarni, AI researcher, Dr. Alex Jones, and Professor Ahmed Hamed.
Innovation has always been at the heart of Plekhanov University in Dubai’s mission; the university actively supports research and collaboration in emerging technologies, offering future-focused programs such as the master’s program in AI in Education and the master’s program in Digital Business. During its participation at GITEX 2025, Dr. Svetlana Malkarova met with representatives of RAK Innovation City and reached a preliminary agreement on cooperation in organizing student participation within the Startup Graduation Project initiative and internship programs.
During the roundtable discussion “Characteristics of AI Development and Regulation: Russia–UAE Cooperation,” participants explored a range of key themes, including AI governance frameworks, ethical standards, and the application of AI technologies across management, education, healthcare, and public services. The meeting also explored opportunities for joint projects in strategic UAE sectors such as logistics, real estate, tourism, environmental science, and biotechnology.
Dr. Malkarova opened the discussion by emphasizing global cooperation and education, stating:
“International cooperation plays a key role in advancing the development of responsible and ethical AI. And to prepare specialists capable of shaping the future of digital transformation, a practical, innovative, and ethically grounded education will be crucial.”
The meeting resulted in agreements to strengthen Russia–UAE cooperation in technology and education. These include:
• The launch of an Innovation Hub at Plekhanov University in Dubai in November 2025 to support Russian startups entering the UAE market
• The creation of a specialized AI Laboratory focused on the practical application of artificial intelligence
• Collaboration between Dr. Nadkarni and G42 on research related to open AI frameworks.
The Russian–Emirati Business Council also initiated support measures to help Russian IT companies expand into the UAE market and develop joint technological projects.
By supporting the goals of the Russian Digital Mission, Plekhanov University in Dubai helped establish vital connections with the UAE’s rapidly growing technology ecosystem. Events of this scale demonstrated how collaborative efforts contribute to building a responsible, innovative, and globally connected digital future.
