Once upon a time there was only Londongrad, the favorite foreign market of Russians, place of residence and massive investments. Today the experts are relaunching, Dubaigrad has found its way, the city showcase that welcomes those who bring capital, buy expensive real estate, start businesses. The authorities roll out the red carpet and have no intention of asking the guests uncomfortable questions: entrepreneurs, billionaires, businessmen, big personalities and a few middle managers have settled on the shores of the Persian Gulf. An ancient presence that extended its roots after the invasion of Ukraine. The New York Times has reported that in the days following the attack, Dubai has become the main destination for Russian private flights, frequented by Chechens. A consolidated and not even secret trend underscored by the net growth in business volume between the two countries, which are booming despite the storm. In 2022, there would have been a 68% increase. Data known to the State Department, Treasury Department and Secret Service who have sensitive antennae here. I’m at home.
In late January, the United States increased pressure on the Emirates, irritated by local leaders’ soft line. A delegation has threatened consequences for the sheikhs who preach neutrality but avoid creating obstacles for the men of Moscow. A Bloomberg investigation accused a local and another Indian company of using a fleet of shadow tankers to bring Russian crude to market. No new fee. In addition, there were frequent complaints about triangulations: foreign products arriving in Russia pass through Dubai and the surrounding area. Grand “tours” combined with the hospitality of oligarch-owned superyachts: symbols of glittering opulence that may have become “prey” to global confiscations.
The Emirates, led by strongman Mohammed bin Zayed, have solid ties with the Kremlin and, of course, China. For numerous reasons.
1) Willingness to maintain freedom of action on all sides, from economics to foreign policy. The official meetings bear witness to this.
2) Historical ties despite the military alliance with the Americans and French.
3) Common interests in some areas, for example, supporting the Libyan General Haftar, the leader of Cyrenaica. But also the rapprochement with Syria: President Assad has just arrived with his wife for a visit. A dialogue to bring him back completely to the “Arab family” despite the resistance of the United States.
4) Pragmatism in relation to the neo-Tsar and distrust of the Democratic White House. At the time of Donald Trump, confidential channels were opened between the President’s entourage and Moscow’s, an arena that employed Erik Prince, founder of the security firm Blackwater. In Abu Dhabi, as in Riyadh, The Donald wouldn’t mind taking charge again.