This summer, Moscow is set to become a must-visit destination for Middle Eastern travelers, offering a refreshing escape from the region’s intense heat with its elegant blend of refined hospitality, rich culture, and immersive outdoor experiences.

With visitor numbers from the Middle East reaching 337,400 in 2024, a 1.4-fold increase from the previous year, Moscow is investing in tailored offerings for travelersfrom the Gulf. This spans from halal dining and Arabic-speaking guides to luxury accommodations and family-friendly entertainment.Among the standout markets, the UAE saw particularly sharp growth, with 62,100 visitors in 2024 compared to 18,000 in 2019, a 3.4-fold increase driven by enhanced air connectivity, cultural affinity, and curated experiences.According to the Moscow City Tourism Committee, tourists give the city an average satisfaction score of 8.2 out of 10, reflecting the high quality of services and attractions offered.

UAE and Qatari nationals benefit from visa-free entry, while Kuwaiti travellers can take advantage of a new e-visa option, making Moscow more accessible than ever.

“We are proud to see Moscow becoming a destination of choice for Middle Easterntravellers,” said Natalia Molochkova, Representative of the "Summer in Moscow" Organizing Committee. “Our city offers a unique blend of culture, comfort, and tailored services, from Arabic-speaking guides and halal dining to luxury stays and family attractions. Notably, 30% of Middle Eastern visitors to Moscow in 2024 expressed their intent to return in 2025, a strong vote of confidence in ourcommitment to makingMoscowa prior destination for travel.”

A summer of culture, art, and open-air wonder

On June 1st, the ‘Summer in Moscow’ project was launched, bringing together over 1,000 events and offering visitors a variety of activities. Highlights include:

• Moscow Estates Festival: travel back in time at over 40 historic estates featuringthemed performances and immersive activities.
• Theatre Boulevard: 600+ performances across 14 open-air stages in a record-breaking 92-day cultural season, with over 3,000 international and local artists.
• Gardens and Flowers Festival: urban spaces transformed with lush floral installations and rare blooms.
• Dance and Street. Art Projects: creative workshops, plein-air art sessions, and open-air concerts energizeStrastnoy Boulevard and city parks.
• Music in the Parks: jazz, rock, electronic, and acoustic performances under the open sky in iconic venues like Gorky Park and VDNH.

A warm welcome for families and travelers

To meet the needs of Middle Eastern guests, Moscow has introduced a Muslim-Friendly Guide to Moscow, providing guidance on prayer facilities, halal dining, and culturally sensitive attractions. Five major tourist centers offer on-the-ground assistance in Arabic and English, with more than 100 certified guides fluent indifferent languages.

Luxury travelers can choose from over 2,000 hotels, including five-star properties offering wellness services, Arabic-speaking staff, and other amenities. For families, Moscow offers a wide range of experiences – from aquaparks and open-air pools to interactive museums, sciences centers for children and adults and expansive green parks and boulevards.

Shop, dine, and stroll through Moscow’s cultural heart

The city’s vibrant shopping scene rivals the world’s style capitals. Visitors can browse high-end fashion at GUM and TSUM, explore local designer boutiques, or pick up authentic souvenirs at the “Made in Moscow” Market, which showcases over 700 local brands across artful, themed pavilions.

Food lovers will find more than 35 restaurants now offering Arabic-translated menus, alongside traditional cuisine and global flavors. Meanwhile,the Discover Moscow digital platform—available in English—guides visitors through landmarks, events, and essential services.

As part of its ongoing efforts to make the city even more welcoming and accessible, Moscow created a dedicated Welcome Pack for international visitors. The Welcome Pack includes special offers for shops, restaurants, hotels, observation decks, and more. Designed to help travellers make the most of their time in the Russian capital, the Welcome Pack ensures a hassle-free, enjoyable, and cost-effective Moscow experience from the very first day.

Safety and seamless navigation

Moscow offers 24/7 security via a Smart City surveillance system and dedicated multilingual tourist police stationed across key areas.Over 250,000 cameras are strategically placed throughout Moscow, playing a crucial role in ensuring safety and comfort for both citizens and international visitors.

As Moscow comes alive this summer with music, colour, and celebration, travellers from the Middle East are invited to discover a city where timeless culture meets contemporary luxury, creating unforgettable summer memories in one of the world’s most welcoming capitals.

Plan your journey now at:https://discover.moscow/en
Snapchat: @discover_moscow