Khizri Abakarov

Khizri Abakarov
Born	(1960-06-28) June 28, 1960 Yuzhno-Sukhokumsk, Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, Soviet Union
Occupation(s)	Politician, businessman
Years active	1987–present
Known for	Deputy of the 8th State Duma of the Russian Federation

Khizri Magomedovich Abakarov (; born 28 June 1960 in Yuzhno-Sukhokumsk, Dagestan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic) is a Russian politician, public figure, and businessman. Since 19 September 2021, he has been serving as a Deputy in the 8th State Duma of the Russian Federation, representing the United Russia party.

Between 2011 and 2013, he oversaw the development of Anzhi Arena located in Kaspiysk, Dagestan. He held the position of Head of Derbent Administration from 16 October 2018 until 10 November 2020 and subsequently served as State Secretary of the Republic of Dagestan from 10 November 2020 to 23 September 2021.

Early life

Abakarov was born on 28 June 1960 in Yuzhno-Sukhokumsk. His family originates from Salta village in the Gunibsky District of Dagestan. He belongs to the Avar ethnic group. His education began at Boarding School No. 1 in Derbent starting in 1969, and he completed his secondary education at Boarding School No. 4 in Makhachkala in 1978. From 1978 to 1983, he pursued mechanical engineering studies at Dagestan Polytechnic Institute (currently Dagestan State Technical University).

Following graduation, Abakarov took a position as a design engineer at the Borisoglebsk Instrument-Making Plant. His military service in the Soviet Army lasted from 1983 to 1985. After completing his service, he worked until 1987 as a foreign-equipment fitter, chief mechanic at a machine and tractor station (MTS), and also as a coach-instructor in Novy Urengoy.

From 1987 through 1993, he led the Novy Urengoy Federation of Martial Arts as its President before moving into entrepreneurial activities.

Awards

• Order of Alexander Nevsky (2023) — awarded for proactive legislative contributions and extensive dedicated service
• Order of Friendship (2021) — granted for professional achievements and long-term commitment
• Order For Services to the Republic of Dagestan

Sanctions

In connection with the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, Abakarov was subjected to sanctions by the United Kingdom in 2022. The United States Treasury imposed sanctions on him on 24 March 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that year. Additionally, New Zealand included him under their sanctions regime since May 2022, and Ukraine added him to their sanctions list in September 2022.