Russian President Vladimir Putin has embarked on a significant Middle East tour, landing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of his itinerary, with a subsequent visit to Saudi Arabia planned. The arrival in Abu Dhabi featured a warm welcome from UAE officials, coinciding with the ongoing COP28 climate talks in Dubai, although Putin’s participation remains uncertain. Anticipated discussions with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan will cover diverse topics, including energy cooperation, regional stability, and global challenges such as the conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Yemen. The visit to Saudi Arabia includes talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on collaborative efforts within OPEC+ and broader geopolitical issues. Notably, this diplomatic engagement unfolds against the backdrop of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Putin for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. It’s noteworthy that the UAE and Saudi Arabia, not being signatories to the ICC’s founding treaty, are not bound to enforce the warrant.
