Vladimir Putin moved through Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, in a black Aurus sedan with a local license plate as observed by Telegram channel RIA_Kremlinpool. The distinctive vehicle’s front bore the local state number 12842, a detail that appeared clearly in the footage circulating online.
The Russian president undertook a working visit to the city of Abu Dhabi, with discussions taking place at Qasr Al-Watan Palace. A ceremonial cavalry escort accompanied Putin’s car from the airport, and upon his arrival the host nation fired a cannon salute in a traditional gesture of welcome. The exchanges were described as part of a broader, ongoing diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Abu Dhabi, focusing on strategic cooperation across energy, infrastructure, and defense sectors.
Officials indicated that Putin would also travel to Saudi Arabia in the near term, signaling a broader regional outreach that includes multiple Gulf states. The visit mirrors a longstanding pattern of high-level dialogue and displays of state hospitality that accompany Moscow’s international diplomacy in the Middle East.
Earlier reporting noted that Aurus automobiles had begun assembling in the United Arab Emirates, marking a milestone for the brand’s manufacturing footprint outside Russia. The first model produced in the Abu Dhabi facility was the Aurus Senat sedan, a symbol of Russia’s ambitions in luxury automotive manufacturing and export potential. The production line’s expansion was framed by the authorities as a step toward diversifying production sites and strengthening regional industrial collaboration.
There were also discussions in industry circles about financial and corporate moves related to Aurus. Speculation pointed to Gazprom’s potential interest in acquiring shares, a development that could align with broader state-led efforts to coordinate energy, manufacturing, and technology assets across Eurasia. While such talks remained unofficial, observers noted that any strategic investment would likely be part of a larger framework of bilateral and regional economic cooperation, linking energy resources with advanced manufacturing capabilities.