Moscow Welcomes Middle Eastern Tourists with Exciting New Opportunities and Streamlined Access

Moscow, the enchanting Russian capital, continues to draw Middle Eastern travelers with a slew of exciting initiatives designed to make their visit extraordinary. Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, has underlined the pivotal role of the Middle East in Moscow’s thriving tourism sector, highlighting a dedicated approach that fosters collaboration between local and international businesses.
In a remarkable show of commitment, the Moscow City Tourism Committee has successfully organized eight business missions in as many countries and four familiarization trips to the city since the beginning of this year. More than 100 companies hailing from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have enthusiastically participated in these events. These initiatives have paved the way for closer cooperation between Moscow and the Middle East tourism industries, ultimately contributing to a significant increase in reciprocal tourist flows.
The months of September and October witnessed the arrival of approximately 40 representatives from travel companies in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia for a comprehensive familiarization tour of Moscow. During their visit, they explored Moscow’s rich tourism potential and engaged in extensive business discussions with their local counterparts. Moreover, they were introduced to the “Moscow+” program, which not only unveils the splendor of Moscow but also provides access to other captivating Russian cities, including Kazan and destinations in the Moscow region. Moscow’s central transportation hub position makes it incredibly convenient to explore nearby suburbs, including magnificent monasteries and fortresses in Sergiev Posad, Kolomna, and Zvenigorod. For the more adventurous, high-speed trains offer a swift journey to St. Petersburg, known as Russia’s “northern” capital, celebrated for its White Nights.
Middle Eastern experts in the tourism industry have expressed their excitement over Moscow’s countryside infrastructure, boasting an array of spa complexes, elegant estates, golf clubs, and ethnoparks. Winter tourism, especially during the New Year holidays when Moscow undergoes a breathtaking transformation, promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience for Middle Eastern travelers of all ages.
Traveling from the Middle East to Moscow has become increasingly convenient, thanks to an extensive network of over 100 flights connecting the United Arab Emirates and Moscow, along with regular flight connections to countries like Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and other Middle Eastern nations. In a significant development, Russia introduced e-visas in August for citizens of 55 countries, including Middle Eastern states. These e-visas, valid for 60 days from the date of issue, grant tourists a 16-day stay in Russia. Russia is actively exploring the possibility of abolishing tourist visas for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait by 2024. Already, citizens of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar enjoy a visa-free regime for travel to Moscow.