He was a long way from Moscow, but Russian President Vladimir Putin would have felt at home on his way to Qasr Al Watan – in the back seat of his custom-built luxury limousine.
The Aurus Senat, a bomb and bullet-proof vehicle, which is seen as a match for Donald Trump’s Cadillac state car, was waiting for him at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport on Tuesday.
The limousine has been a feature of Mr Putin’s overseas visits since May 2018.
He is said to have personally instigated a project to design a Russian-built car, rather than relying on foreign brands such as Mercedes, as he had done previously.
The result was Aurus – a new brand that is hoping to become an eastern rival to Rolls-Royce and which is making inroads in the Middle East.
And while the Senat can be bought by wealthy customers, Mr Putin’s version has been specially adapted. His Senat can withstand sniper fire and chemical gas attacks, and also has advanced communications equipment installed, making it a command centre on wheels.
But the small details are important too. Its doors are extra-large making it easy to get in and out of.
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In pictures: Vladimir Putin in the UAE
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Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bids farewell to Mr. Putin at the Presidential Airport. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
A cubic artwork showcasing Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr. Putin is displayed at the Presidential Airport. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed receives a gyrfalcon as a gift from Mr Putin. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr Putin exchange gifts during a state visit at Qasr Al Watan. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Mr Putin signs the guest book. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr Putin stand for a photograph with musicians during a state visit reception at Qasr Al Watan. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
UAE Astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi presents a gift commemorating the UAE Space mission to Mr Putin. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Mr Putin and the Crown Prince meet Emirati astronauts Hazza Al Mansouri and Sultan Al Neyadi. Pawan Singh / The National -
Mohamed bin Zayed receives Russian President Vladimir Putin at Qasr Al Watan, commencing a state visit to the UAE. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr Putin observe an honour guard at Qasr Al Watan. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Sheikh Mohamed welcomed Mr Putin at the airport and drove with him through the city to Qasr Al Watan. Pawan Singh / The National -
Al Fursan acrobatics squadron flies over Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi's presidential palace. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
The seven jets marking the seven emirates soar over the Corniche. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Mr Putin's limousine arrives at Qasr Al Watan. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Mr Putin and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed are signing a series of dealt to benefit both nations on Tuesday. Courtesy: Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Members of the honour guard mark inside the palace. Pawan Singh / The National -
Mr. Putin and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed attend the official welcome ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Reuters -
The Russian president and the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince inspect a guard of honour. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Russian President and the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince inspect a guard of honour. Pawan Singh / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Mr. Putin stand for a photograph during a state visit reception at Qasr Al Watan. Rashed Al Mansoori / Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
The honour guard stands to attention at the palace. Pawan Singh / The National -
Senior Emirati dignitaries await the arrival of Mr Putin. Pawan Singh / The National -
Sheikh Mohamed and Mr. Putin view a UAE-Russia investment exhibition presented by Mubadala at Qasr Al Watan. Seen with Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, left. Hamad Al Kaabi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs
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Two of the four seats in the back are retractable and, for extra security, occupants who wish to close the car's window curtains are still able to see what is happening outside the vehicle in real-time via live CCTV footage aired on internal screens. An emergency exit is also built into the rear of the car.
There are also some special secret features in the Russian head of state's seven-tonne and almost seven-metre-long car, but when The National spoke to Aurus chief executive, Franz Hilgert, he said he could not reveal them.
The Aurus cars are seen as the heir to the Russian-made sedans made by ZiL, which transported Soviet leaders for decades.
The company, which established the brand two years ago, will target the European market as well as the Middle East, with both armoured and non-armoured versions to be available.
