Русский
Etihad Airways are to launch direct flights between Abu Dhabi, one of the UAE Emirates, and Sochi, on Russia’s Black Sea coast, from May 29. Flights will be operated on Airbus A320 three times a week.
The new route will improve transport accessibility between Russia and the UAE and is aimed partially at Emirati citizens and Russian expats in the UAE escaping the searing summer heat in the Middle East for the balmier climate of southern Russia.
About 350,000 Russians are based in the UAE, seeing it is an alternative operational base after the West imposed sanctions on Russia. Many have purchased property, founded companies and begun subsidiaries of their Russian operations. Nearby Dubai’s neighbourhoods have also changed, where the Russian community can now find familiar cafes, such as Dodo Pizza or Angel Cakes.
The UAE is a member of BRICS and is expected to shortly sign a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union. Russia and the UAE have also finalised a Double Tax Agreement that will take effect next year.
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