The extensive experience of the UAE's oil companies was incredibly valuable to him. After all, these companies had been around for over 60 years!
Compared to Russia's relatively new oil companies, they were absolute veterans in the industry.
"Yes, Mavi, they're almost done extracting oil. Recently, it seems like they're planning to shift industries and sell the company," Amir shared some highly useful intelligence with Mavi over the phone.
Since smaller oil companies lack the connections to secure new oil fields, once their current reserves are depleted, they are often forced to switch industries. As a result, they also look to sell off their existing equipment and company assets.
"Alright, please help me get in touch with them and let them know that I'm very interested in their company," Mavi said with determination over the phone. This was his second major step toward becoming an energy tycoon—an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss.
"No problem! Consider it done!" Amir promised confidently. He was well aware that Russia had recently regained control of Chechnya, and the country's oil industry was about to experience rapid growth. Given Mavi's high-level government connections, Amir knew he wouldn't want to miss out on this opportunity.
"Great! Then when I arrive in Dubai, let's meet up," Mavi suggested. Wealthy individuals often support each other within their circles—when you have power and money, everything is negotiable.
"Haha! It's a deal!" Amir laughed. He genuinely admired Mavi. He still remembered how they first met last year—back when they were both in Europe, showing off their high-performance cars. At first, Amir was impressed by Mavi's modified sports cars, but later, he was even more stunned when Mavi started upgrading warships.
Amir had watched in awe as Mavi advanced step by step, seemingly working miracles. Now, Mavi's influence and status had far surpassed that of Amir's family—several times over. And the most incredible part? It had all happened in just over a year. Thinking back, Amir couldn't help but feel astonished…
After finishing his call with his Dubai connections, Mavi began preparing for his "Energy Tycoon Development Plan." This industry was entirely new to him—he had never been involved in it before.
However, based on what he had observed in his previous life, Russia's state-owned oil company had a market value of $74.7 billion in 2010. In contrast, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), which was founded three years later, had a market value of $240 billion in the same year!
Logically, given Russia's vast oil reserves, its market value should not have been significantly lower than CNPC's. So why was there such a massive gap?
After analyzing the situation, Mavi concluded that the problem lay in the sales strategy. CNPC controlled the entire supply chain—from oil extraction and refining to producing finished petroleum products and selling them through its own distribution network. By monopolizing the entire industry, CNPC maximized its profits from limited oil resources.
On the other hand, Russia's state-owned oil company primarily focused on exporting crude oil. In simple terms, they were just "miners"—digging up oil, selling it in bulk, and letting other countries refine it into gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and lubricants at a premium. This weak supply chain was the reason their market value remained stagnant.
Having learned from this past mistake, Mavi knew that if he wanted to build his own oil empire, he couldn't just be a miner. Besides negotiating with the government for access to prime oil reserves, he also saw an opportunity—CNPC had yet to fully dominate the domestic market. At this time, many private gas stations across China controlled regional markets.
This could be his chance. Everything depended on how the negotiations unfolded…
### Five Days Later
Back in Russia, Mavi suddenly received news that the European Union had caught wind of his plans to enter the energy sector. Reports suggested that the EU might try to obstruct him. After all, his relationship with the EU had become incredibly hostile.
Additionally, Europe was home to numerous established oil giants—companies like Royal Dutch Shell, BP, and Total, all of which had been in business for over a century. They definitely wouldn't want to see Russian oil rise and threaten their market dominance.
If these powerful energy corporations decided to use their influence to interfere, it would be a serious challenge for Mavi—one that would be incredibly difficult to guard against.
Still, worrying about it wouldn't change anything. Overthinking would only make him more anxious. It was better to head to Dubai first and deal with any problems as they arose…
### Another Five Days Later
Mavi boarded his private jet bound for Dubai International Airport. After more than a year of rapid investment and development, Dubai had become even more vibrant, modern, and full of opportunities.
This time, however, Mavi wasn't flying in the Bombardier Global Express he had used for his trip to Ukraine. Instead, he was traveling in the colossal Airbus A380 he had custom-ordered from Airbus!
The aircraft was an absolute giant, measuring 72.75 meters (238.7 feet) in length, 79.75 meters (261.7 feet) in wingspan, and 24.09 meters (79 feet) in height, with a massive 845-square-meter (9,100-square-foot) wing area.
Compared to this behemoth, even the Boeing 747 seemed small and unimposing.
Now, whether departing from Moscow Airport or landing at Dubai International Airport, Mavi no longer had to feel overshadowed by larger commercial airliners due to the small size of his previous private jet.
"Holy crap! Mavi, is that an A380? A new purchase?"
At the airport, Amir and his friend Amur, both wearing their traditional white robes and headscarves, were stunned as they watched Mavi step out of the pure-white A380.
They remembered that when they first met, Mavi was flying a compact Gulfstream G200. In just over a year, he had upgraded to a flying fortress—an incredibly dominant move!
"Mavi, I swear, I've never truly admired anyone before, but I admire you!" Amur exclaimed. "First, you modified a Bugatti. Then, you customized a warship. Now, tell me—did you modify this A380 too?"
Although Amur was a wealthy Dubai businessman, at this stage, he and his peers were still only "rich"—they weren't playing the game at the same level as Mavi.
"Want to take a look inside?" Mavi invited them with a smile. After all, it was thanks to their introductions to key clients that his business had grown so smoothly.
"Of course! We'd love to see it!" Amir and Amur eagerly responded.
Just as they were about to board the plane and take a tour, a sky-blue Boeing 747 landed on a nearby runway. The aircraft's tail fin displayed the red emblem of the Dubai royal family, making it instantly recognizable as a royal jet.
Because Mavi and his group were in the private jet terminal, the Boeing 747 was directed to park right next to Mavi's A380.
Amir and Amur exchanged glances, their expressions filled with surprise.
"That looks like the prince's plane," Amir muttered.
"The prince?" Mavi raised an eyebrow.
(End of Chapter)