Iosif Prigozhin, a notable Russian music producer, recently shared insights from the luxury of the One&Only One Za’abeel resort in Dubai, where he holds properties alongside his wife, pop star Valeriya. With his phone showcasing a staggering 11,801 contacts, Prigozhin is well-connected, boasting relationships with both influential politicians and underworld figures who once mingled at his wife’s concerts in Crimea.
In a city that has not aligned with Western sanctions against Russia, Dubai has become the new favored haven for Moscow’s elite, especially those who never expected Putin to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Prigozhin epitomizes this demographic; heightening his public profile through the intersections of culture and politics, he finds himself entangled in the very system he once scrutinized.
The opulent backdrop of Dubai offers a unique perspective on the connections and attitudes of these Russian elites as they navigate an ever-complex political landscape.
In a city that has not aligned with Western sanctions against Russia, Dubai has become the new favored haven for Moscow’s elite, especially those who never expected Putin to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Prigozhin epitomizes this demographic; heightening his public profile through the intersections of culture and politics, he finds himself entangled in the very system he once scrutinized.
The opulent backdrop of Dubai offers a unique perspective on the connections and attitudes of these Russian elites as they navigate an ever-complex political landscape.
