Kazan Hosts 17th Edition of International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World"
The city of Kazan has been hosting the 17th edition of the International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World" since Tuesday, with a record-breaking participation of nearly 100 countries and international organizations sending delegations to the capital of Tatarstan. Tunisia is present, but with a "limited" participation.
Organized with the direct support of President Vladimir Putin, the forum takes place from May 12 to 17, 2026, at the initiative of the Strategic Vision Group "Russia - Islamic World", which is celebrating its 20th anniversary simultaneously. The event brings together heads of state, ministers, economic decision-makers, and representatives of financial, media, and cultural institutions from around the world.
At the opening ceremony, the Director of the Tatarstan Agency for Investment Development, Taliya Minullina, confirmed the presence of ministers and high-ranking officials from several Arab and African countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Mali, Nigeria, and Libya. However, she expressed regret that Tunisia's participation remains "limited" and expressed the hope that it will be more substantial in future editions.
This year's edition has a particular symbolic significance, coinciding with Kazan's designation as the "Islamic World Capital of Culture 2026" and the holding of the Conference of Ministers of Culture of the Islamic World, giving the forum a unique civilizational dimension.
The program, dense and structured, includes over 100 activities centered around 21 thematic axes: economy, investment, energy, technology, Islamic finance, culture, youth, and women. Among the highlights is the inauguration of the international trade fair "Kazan Halal Market", which is attended by 11 Russian regions and 9 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. Specialized forums are also planned on Islamic finance, entrepreneurship, and Muslim youth.
On the cultural front, the Minister of Culture of Tatarstan, Irada Ayupova, specified that 14 partner countries are participating in a rich program, including a traditional crafts exhibition and 15 concerts united under the unifying theme of "Unity".
Key Participants and Events
- Ministers and high-ranking officials from Algeria, Egypt, Mali, Nigeria, and Libya
- Inauguration of the international trade fair "Kazan Halal Market"
- Specialized forums on Islamic finance, entrepreneurship, and Muslim youth
- Traditional crafts exhibition and 15 concerts under the theme of "Unity"
- Participation of 11 Russian regions and 9 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia
Forum Highlights
- Over 100 activities centered around 21 thematic axes
- Dense and structured program
- Unique civilizational dimension with the Conference of Ministers of Culture of the Islamic World
- Record-breaking participation of nearly 100 countries and international organizations
