By our correspondent in Dubai
Prolonged Stay and Property Links in Dubai
Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of Russia’s Chechen Republic, has yet to return from Dubai after traveling there to celebrate the start of 2025, according to investigative journalists. Reports from Chechen activists indicate that Mr. Kadyrov’s private aircraft has made over ten trips between Grozny and Dubai in the past six weeks, fueling speculation that his extended stay may be linked to growing tensions with the Kremlin.
In late January, investigative reporters uncovered evidence that Mr. Kadyrov’s cousin, Shahruddi Edilgiriev, owns four luxury properties in Dubai, collectively valued at more than $20 million. Previously, journalists identified another villa linked to Mr. Kadyrov within the five-star Zabeel Saray Royal Residences on Palm Jumeirah—one of Dubai’s most exclusive locations—estimated to be worth $7 million.
Possible Kremlin Displeasure and Political Ramifications
Observers suggest that the Kremlin’s discontent may have been triggered by the tragic plane crash of an Embraer E190 belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines on 25 December 2024. The aircraft, en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed under unclear circumstances. According to sources familiar with the matter, Russian authorities instructed Mr. Kadyrov to refrain from making public comments on the accident and advised him to scale down his online presence. Reports indicate that Mr. Kadyrov’s attempts to secure a meeting with President Vladimir Putin were unsuccessful, prompting his departure from Chechnya shortly afterward.
Throughout January, both local and international media outlets have scrutinized Mr. Kadyrov’s absence from public events, attributing it to a possible ongoing health issue—an assertion the Chechen leader has consistently denied. Chechnya’s Minister for National Policy, Foreign Relations, Press, and Information, Akhmed Dudayev, dismissed such speculation as “provocations” from “ill-wishers” and released a video purportedly showing Mr. Kadyrov. However, investigative journalists claim the footage was recorded in Dubai during a brief visit by Mr. Dudayev. Meanwhile, Chechen officials maintain that Mr. Kadyrov has been on official leave since 13 January, with Prime Minister Magomed Daudov serving as the interim head of the republic.
Human rights organizations have long documented systemic rights violations in Chechnya, a region frequently criticized for its authoritarian governance and violent suppression of dissent. Additionally, Chechen military units have played an active role in Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, raising concerns about the spread of violence and repression beyond Chechnya’s borders.
Mr. Kadyrov, a staunch ally of President Putin, has positioned himself as a stabilizing force in a historically restive region. However, his prolonged stay in Dubai and reports of substantial property acquisitions will likely heighten scrutiny of his leadership and cast further doubt on Moscow’s continued tolerance for Chechnya’s controversial ruler.
