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Dubai Free-Zone Firms Drive Russian Oil Amid Sanctions

6/19/2026

33 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Dubai free-zone firms have become the main channel for Russian crude shipments despite four years of Western sanctions.
The firms conduct the oil trades through the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, a free-zone trading hub.
Companies such as Forteza Trading DMCC and Patera Middle East DMCC are among the entities handling the Russian oil.

History

Historical Context

Established by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s decree on 1 May 2002, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre created a tax-free free-trade zone covering a 200-hectare campus. After its 2020 transfer to the Investment Corporation of Dubai, the DMCC’s energy-focused platform enabled entities such as Forteza Trading DMCC to route Russian crude through Dubai, sidestepping EU sanctions.

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Story summary

Dubai free-zone firms have become the main channel for Russian crude shipments despite four years of Western sanctions.
The firms conduct the oil trades through the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, a free-zone trading hub.
Companies such as Forteza Trading DMCC and Patera Middle East DMCC are among the entities handling the Russian oil.

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