Russian dolls and dancing: Emirates Place becomes a mini Moscow​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

A spectacular celebration of Russian culture will take place in Abu Dhabi this week to mark the visit of President Vladimir Putin.

Traditional Russian ballet, folk music and dancing will create a mini Moscow in the gilded atrium of the Emirates Palace hotel.

UAE-Russia Week also includes displays of Emirati culture with ayala dancers, Arabic coffee and oud performances to showcase the ties between both countries.

Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, launched the exhibition on Monday.

“Cultural collaboration and the sharing of our traditional heritage with one another are integral to bringing our two cultures closer,” said Ms Al Kaabi.

Mr Putin arrives to Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to a welcome reserved for only the most important of allies and Ms Al Kaabi underlined how the relationship was steeped in history.

“The UAE’s relationship with Russia dates back more than 47 years when our Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, laid the foundations of these bilateral ties,” she said.

“The launch of UAE-Russia Week … opens opportunities for artists and creatives to communicate in both cultures.”

The centrepiece of the exhibition is a huge installation inspired by the work of Russian architect Vladimir Tatlin. Tatlin created his model for a Communist building in St Petersburg that was never built but now visitors can relive the ambition of the era and learn about Russian and Emirati culture while enjoying tea served by Russian hostesses in traditional dress.

Visitors can also stop by several stages surrounding the installation to enjoy Russian lacemaking, doll-making, folk dancing and a collection of Russian Matryoshka dolls inscribed in Arabic and Russian to celebrate both cultures.

Cultural ties have been expanding between both countries over the past few years. Sharjah was the guest of honour at this year’s Moscow Book Fair, while the UAE will return the favour at next April’s Abu Dhabi Book Fair.

UAE-Russia Week takes place at Emirates Palace from 10am to 6pm until Thursday.

The National