Last I looked UAE was still on the no go list for Aussies, which means even transiting through can invalidate your travel insurance. I am sure there will be good deals coming in the future as these airlines and tourism economies are bleeding money. The big question is when. I keep hearing the war is over, but no it’s still going……
I don’t need to until later in the year so I am watching and waiting 
Yeah… I have just cancelled my 5th sit (in London). Though it is supposed to start in July, but considering the situation the moment, I feel I should let the host choose other sitters closer by. I have one last sit also in London late August/Sept which I think I will hold on for now.
I’d be willing to take the risk of flying into and through locations such as Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, even if my travel insurance was invalidated, as long as the reward was a very cheap flight e.g. £500 return flight to Sydney.
Yeah, I kind of feel the same, except a friend pointed out it would be a good excuse for your insurer to knock you back if something happened during your trip post transit. We all know how sympathetic insurance companies are.
I have low expectations from insurance companies. Although, last year when hiring a car in Europe I took out an independent excess insurance policy, rather than the renter’s own. It paid out in full when I was charged for recovery and a new tyre following a puncture.
Did you only search one-way fares? @Ziggy mentioned the deals seemed restricted to r/t reservations.
With Etihad it shows individual proces for the outward and return legs. When i searched yesterday it was in excess of £1000 each way.
I’m seeing the sale fares as mentioned, using outward-bound from Dublin/Europe. 
Added:
Also LHR > Sydney > LHR in June; $750US r/t for a route via Abu Dhabi using standard economy (vs basic) ticket option. Admittedly, seat selection & baggage are extra which would drive up the cost closer to $1000US r/t all-told, depending. Can also Include 2 night stopover w/free hotel if desired, for no extra charge.
(Dublin outward-bound was several hundred less; assuming that’s due to LHR fare surcharges.)
Thanks. I’ll take another look later today. Perhaps the article I read was in advance of the fares being published and available online.
I found fares similar to yours, there is a premium for flying from Heathrow. I like that they include a 2 night free hotel stay.
Always a good idea to take independent excess insurance. I had taken out the same and it also paid out in full when I’d had a collision with a roo in Aus while driving a hire car and a bill for over $5000!