Dubai is quickly becoming a refuge for wealthy Russians as the fallout from the Ukraine invasion deepens. Among these elites is Iosif Prigozhin, a well-known music producer with ties to both the political and pop culture realms in Russia. He and his pop-star wife, Valeriya, enjoy a luxurious lifestyle in the One&Only One Za’abeel resort, which includes two apartments and a rooftop pool.

Prigozhin highlights the unique social fabric of Russia that blends the worlds of "generals and criminals." Despite the global sanctions against Russia, Dubai has not joined this trend, drawing in powerful Russians who find themselves entangled with President Putin’s regime. This unexpected move to Dubai marks a significant shift in the dynamics of Russian elite life, leading them to navigate a complicated relationship with their homeland and its current political climate.

As the war continues, these wealthy figures grapple with the balance of their loyalty to their nation and the sheer luxury of their new life in the UAE, leaving many questioning what it means to be part of modern Russia amidst such turmoil.