MGIMO Alumni Gathering in Dubai: The Technology Dimension

5 February 2026

On 4 February, MGIMO alumni living and working in the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries gathered in Dubai.

Following an established tradition, the event brought together University alumni, partners and friends. Around 100 participants from different generations met in an informal setting to connect and exchange experience.

Maxim Vladimirov, Consul General of the Russian Federation in Dubai and the Northern Emirates (UAE), welcomed the alumni. He emphasised that being a MGIMO graduate is an undisputed mark of quality, recognised not only within the central offices and overseas missions of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but also far beyond the diplomatic service. “MGIMO graduates stand out not only for their excellent knowledge of languages, international relations and economics, but also for their ability to sustain and develop dialogue,” Maxim Vladimirov noted.

Artem Malgin, MGIMO Vice-Rector for Development, spoke about the University's recent achievements and shared its development plans. He provided an overview of MGIMO's participation in the Priority 2030 programme, outlined the University's strategic objectives and its commitment to advancing technological leadership, and presented the results of the programme's first year of implementation. Among other key developments, he highlighted the opening of MGIMO's branch in Kazakhstan and the recently completed merger of the Diplomatic Academy with MGIMO. According to Artem Malgin, alumni gatherings abroad provide an opportunity to “share what is happening at MGIMO today, introduce new areas of focus and identify opportunities for cooperation.”

Andrey Terekhin, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in the United Arab Emirates, welcomed the participants and spoke about the work of the Russian Trade Representation. He emphasised its readiness to provide comprehensive support to Russian business initiatives in the UAE.

This year, the gathering took on a new technological dimension. The evening's programme featured presentations by startups that have already scaled their operations in the UAE or are planning to strengthen their presence in the local market. The projects, including ventures developed by graduates of the MGIMO Ventures Accelerator, presented their case studies, discussed the development of technology businesses in Dubai and explored common industry trends.

The discussion was moderated by Marina Petrova, Executive Director of the MGIMO Endowment and Co-Head of the MGIMO Ventures Accelerator. Introducing the seven startup presentations, M.A. Petrova spoke about MGIMO Ventures as a startup in its own right. She noted that the Accelerator is evolving from a socially oriented initiative into a commercial venture that creates economic value for MGIMO, startups and partners alike. “The acceleration programme is not a mass-market initiative, but a targeted one. Each year, 20 finalists are selected and supported by dedicated mentors who help them scale their businesses and attract investment.”

The business programme featured the following speakers:

• Alena Shmalko, Web3 expert, former Ecosystem Director at TON Foundation and author of the @softkillerr channel, shared her experience in developing fintech startups in the UAE.
• Anna Berezina, Business Development Manager at ForEvo, presented a network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles in the UAE and the wider region.
• Darya Adrianova, Global Brand Lead at Yango Group, and Artem Adrianov, Manager of International Public Policy at Yango Group, spoke about adapting global technologies to local markets in the MENA region.
• Petr Barkov, CEO and Founder of SHARQ, presented a media consultancy agency and go-to-market strategies for the Middle East.
• Lada Belonosova, Head of Marketing at roboSculptor, introduced a next-generation AI-powered massage robot.
• Hijazi Valeh, Co-Founder of Weimpa, presented a platform that converts online demand into a steady stream of customers.
• Yulia Suvorova, Deputy Chair of the Russian-Arab Business Council, provided an overview of opportunities for startups and business initiatives across the Gulf countries.

Following the discussion, participants noted that gatherings of this kind could become an established platform for dialogue between startups and regional businesses, helping strengthen the position of Russian innovative projects in the UAE market.

Alexey Kryukov, Director of the MGIMO Alumni Association, outlined the Association's development plans and expressed confidence that the renewed format of the gatherings would give further impetus to the growth of the alumni community in the UAE.

Yaroslav Klimov, Chairman of the Board of the MGIMO Alumni Association in the Arab Gulf countries, spoke about plans for the further development of the regional association and upcoming events.

The evening concluded with an active networking session, giving participants an opportunity to introduce themselves, exchange contact details and establish new professional connections.

The event was organised by the MGIMO Endowment and the MGIMO Alumni Association. DUBANYA was the sponsor of the anniversary gathering.