Moscow travel GCC is growing rapidly, as more tourists from the UAE and Gulf countries discover the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. In this exclusive Q&A, Regina Gleim, Head of the International Cooperation Division of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, shares insights with Hospitality Integrator on why Moscow is becoming a top destination for Middle Eastern travelers.

1. Growth in GCC Tourism to Moscow

Q: How has Moscow experienced growth in tourist inflow from the UAE and GCC in recent years?
Over the past few years, Moscow has seen consistent growth in inbound tourism from the Gulf region. In fact, in 2024 alone, the city welcomed 337,400 visitors from the Middle East — a 1.4-fold increase compared to the previous year. Notably, the UAE is among our fastest-growing markets, with arrivals rising from 18,200 in 2019 to over 62,100 in 2024.

This upward trend is no coincidence. It is supported by improved air connectivity, simplified entry procedures, and tailored travel experiences. Moreover, satisfaction levels are high, with Middle Eastern visitors giving Moscow an average rating of 8.2 out of 10, according to our research. Clearly, we are moving in the right direction when it comes to accessibility, comfort, and hospitality.

2. Why GCC Travelers Should Visit Moscow

Q: Why should travellers from the UAE and GCC consider Moscow as their next holiday destination?
Moscow offers a compelling mix of centuries-old landmarks and modern flair. For example, Red Square, the Kremlin, the Bolshoi Theatre, and the Tretyakov Gallery are iconic sites that continue to attract Emirati and GCC visitors.

In addition, families enjoy attractions such as Dream Island Park, the Moscow Zoo, and the Central Children’s Store. Meanwhile, art lovers are increasingly drawn to the GES-2 House of Culture and the Museum of Russian Impressionism. Furthermore, Moscow City, with its skyscrapers and luxury shopping, provides a distinctly contemporary experience. Additionally, green urban spaces like Zaryadye Park and VDNH showcase ecological design and interactive museums.

Ultimately, the diversity of experiences — whether it’s exploring historic estates, cruising along the Moskva River, or enjoying panoramic views from Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel — makes Moscow a destination that appeals to all ages and travel styles.

3. Initiatives for Middle Eastern Tourists

Q: What initiatives has Moscow introduced to cater to Middle Eastern tourists?
To better serve Middle Eastern visitors, we’ve launched several targeted initiatives. These include regional marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships with tour operators, and active participation in key travel industry events.

For instance, in 2024, we hosted UAE Culture Days in Moscow, which welcomed more than 300,000 attendees and celebrated cultural exchange. Additionally, we developed the Muslim-Friendly Guide to Moscow, offering information on halal restaurants, prayer facilities, and cultural points of interest.

Moreover, five major tourist centres across the city now assist in Arabic and English. Over 100 certified guides are available in multiple languages. We also introduced a Welcome Pack for Middle Eastern guests, featuring discounts on accommodation, wellness, restaurants, and local experiences.

Thanks to the Discover Moscow portal and our official Snapchat account, visitors can easily access up-to-date tips and recommendations in both English and Arabic. As a result, planning a trip to Moscow has never been more convenient for GCC travelers.

4. Family-Friendly Experiences in Moscow

Q: How does Moscow cater to family experiences?
Moscow is increasingly recognized as a family-oriented destination. The city offers a wide variety of experiences for all ages — from nature-filled eco-parks and green boulevards to aquaparks, interactive museums, and amusement parks like Dream Island.

One of the highlights is the ‘Summer in Moscow’ festival. Designed with families in mind, it includes open-air theatre, live music, creative workshops, and cultural markets. These events are held in parks, estates, and central boulevards, encouraging families to explore the city together in a festive atmosphere. Best of all, most events are free and open to everyone — from Muscovites to international guests.

Consequently, with its safe infrastructure, welcoming hospitality, and child-friendly programming, Moscow continues to position itself as a top choice for families from the UAE and the broader GCC.

5. New Attractions in Moscow This Summe

Q: What are the newest attractions or experiences that Moscow is offering this summer season?
Summer is the perfect time to visit Moscow. From June to August, the city hosts the annual ‘Summer in Moscow’ festival, featuring over 1,000 outdoor events across parks, cultural venues, and heritage sites. Key highlights include:

• Moscow Estates Festival – Over 40 historic estates host theatrical performances and immersive heritage activities.
• Theatre Boulevard – A 92-day cultural season with more than 600 live shows across 14 open-air stages and over 3,000 performers.
• Gardens and Flowers Festival – Rare botanical installations and vibrant floral displays transform city parks and public spaces.
• Music in the Parks – Live jazz, rock, electronic, and acoustic music in iconic venues like Gorky Park and VDNH.
• Forum Moscow 2030 – A citywide forum-festival designed to immerse youth and families in the technologies, culture, and lifestyles of tomorrow’s world.

In conclusion, these seasonal events allow visitors to enjoy Moscow’s artistic and cultural energy in a refreshing and engaging environment. For those looking beyond the summer months, Moscow in winter is equally enchanting — with snow-covered streets, sparkling decorations, festive markets, and traditional seasonal events. Therefore, whether in summer or winter, Moscow is a year-round destination offering unforgettable experiences.

The Coop House is turning weekdays and weekends into mini occasions. With the Coop House weekly offers, the Mediterranean-meets-Italian favourite at Mirdif City Centre now pairs comfort dishes with sharp value and a touch of theatre. Moreover, the space mixes rustic textures and modern lines, so families, foodies, and casual diners feel instantly at home. Meanwhile, the menu still delivers its signatures—wood-fired pizzas, rich pastas, coastal seafood, and playful crossovers like the Risotto Biryani—yet the new line-up adds a rhythm to every day.

Coop House weekly offers: Seafood Nights (Fridays)

Fridays from 3 PM, the kitchen leans into seaside comfort. The Seafood Linguine is generously tossed with prawns, calamari, and mussels in a light cherry-tomato sauce. Meanwhile, the Pan-Seared Salmon with herbed roast vegetables keeps things wholesome. For bolder palates, Chargrilled Prawns with lemon butter or Grilled Calamari with spicy salsa deliver a satisfying kick. Naturally, each seafood dish with a soft drink is AED 79, turning Friday into your coastal reset.

Business Lunch that feels special (Mon–Thu)

Weekdays from 12 PM to 3 PM, the Business Lunch brings a three-course menu that’s anything but routine. Start with Figs & Walnut Salad or creamy Tomato Burrata, then move to Rotisserie Chicken with velvety hummus and freshly baked fuchsia bread, or Basil Pesto Linguine. To finish, pick a rich Chocolate Fondant or a light Tiramisu. Thoughtfully portioned and swiftly served, the set menu lands at AED 79—perfect for colleagues, client catch-ups, or a solo upgrade to your workday.

Happy Hours, happier afternoons (Mon–Wed)

From Monday to Wednesday, 4 PM to 6 PM, take a well-earned pause. With 40% off the total bill, you can graze on crispy Dynamite Prawns, Feta & Beetroot Salad, golden Fried Calamari, or indulgent Truffle Fries topped with cheese and herbs. Pair your picks with an iced tea, a classic mocktail, or a freshly brewed coffee. Because the window sits before dinner, it’s an easy meet-up slot for friends and families alike.

Breakfast Tray for Two (daily)

From 9 AM to 1 PM, mornings start strong. The Breakfast Tray for Two blends Mediterranean and Arabic favourites: fluffy scrambled eggs, warm shakshouka, creamy labneh, hummus, foul medames, mini croissants, soft breads, jams, and marinated olives. It arrives with freshly brewed coffee or signature iced tea—all for AED 99. It’s abundant, shareable, and perfect for a relaxed start.

Spin the Wheel surprises (select days)

Plan your visit

You’ll find The Coop House at Mirdif City Centre, an easy stop for families and after-work diners. Because the venue is equally suited to quick lunches and long catch-ups, it works for almost any plan. And since the Coop House weekly offers run across multiple dayparts, you can pick the moment that fits—Thursday pasta theatre, Friday seafood, a weekday power lunch, or a leisurely breakfast.

Ultimately, the new offers are about more than price points. They’re about rhythm—adding dependable moments of flavour to your week. Come for the pizzas and pastas; stay for the seafood and sweets; return for the service and the way the room feels when the plates hit the table. That’s how regulars are made.

Check out our previous post, DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan: Hilton’s first hotel

Hilton has marked a milestone with the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Nathiagali—its first hotel in Pakistan—bringing the brand’s signature welcome to one of the country’s most beloved hill stations. Set in the Galiyat region, roughly 85 kilometers from Islamabad, the mountain retreat blends contemporary comforts with alpine scenery, offering a year-round base for families, couples, adventurers, and business travelers.

DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan: Hilton’s first foothold

The debut signals clear confidence in Pakistan’s tourism trajectory. As Guy Hutchinson, President, Middle East & Africa, notes, destinations with rich heritage and natural charm are primed for growth. Therefore, placing Hilton’s first flag in Nathiagali feels both strategic and guest-centric: travelers gain access to an international hospitality standard, while local tourism benefits from global visibility and jobs.

Where alpine scenery meets warm hospitality

Steps from Lalazar Park, the hotel sits within easy reach of Mushkpuri Top, Miranjani Peak, Ayubia National Park, the Dunga Gali Pipeline Track, and St. Matthew’s Church—many within five kilometers. Consequently, guests can plan mellow strolls, scenic drives, or summit days without long transfers. Meanwhile, pine forests and rolling meadows frame the property, creating postcard views in every season—from crisp summers to snow-blanketed winters.

Rooms, dining, and wellness for every season

DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan features 110 rooms, including 14 suites that look toward the Mushkpuri and Miranjani hills. Thoughtful layouts, plush bedding, and mountain-view nooks make downtime feel restorative after a day outdoors. For dining, the lobby-level Coffee Shop serves fresh brews and gourmet bites; Shogun brings a refined Pan-Asian menu; and Zareen on the third floor spans breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a global touch. At the Lalazar Terrace Café, guests can linger over specialty teas, high tea, or a barbecue buffet under an open sky.

Wellbeing is central here. A curated spa menu covers soothing massages and holistic therapies, while a fully equipped fitness center supports daily routines. Additionally, the indoor infinity pool—with floor-to-ceiling panoramas—turns every swim into a viewpoint.

Meetings, celebrations, and memorable gatherings

Whether you are planning a board meeting or a mountain wedding, the property offers flexible venues and experienced support. Two signature banquet halls—Mushkpuri and Miranjani—each host up to 200 guests, ideal for receptions, conferences, or gala dinners. For more intimate sessions, Sohni and Nouri provide smaller meeting rooms. Moreover, tailored catering, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and in-house audiovisual support help events run smoothly from first brief to final toast.

New experiences on the horizon

DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan will soon introduce the country’s first mountain padel court, a private-cinema lounge, a children’s zone, and beauty salon services—enhancing the “all-ages, all-seasons” profile. Additionally, the on-site helipad simplifies arrivals and departures, particularly for celebratory occasions or executive retreats that benefit from time-saving transfers.

Partnerships shape successful openings. Owned and managed by The Baron Pakistan (Pvt) Limited, the hotel aligns international brand standards with local stewardship. As Managing Director Imtiaz Muslim underscores, the collaboration supports regional tourism while delivering lasting value to guests and communities. In practice, that means more training, broader career pathways, and a hospitality experience that honors place as much as it embraces polish.

Hilton Honors benefits, made simple

Members of Hilton Honors can unlock familiar advantages when booking directly via Hilton’s preferred channels. Because the app streamlines check-in, room selection, and Digital Key access, guests can move from arrival to relaxation quickly. Furthermore, the flexible Points-and-money slider helps members tailor stays to their budget—useful for families or groups planning longer mountain breaks.

Plan your Nathiagali escape

The Galiyat hills combine fresh air, pine scent, and sweeping viewpoints with easy access from Islamabad. Therefore, DoubleTree Nathiagali Pakistan makes a compelling base: mornings can start with a summit walk; afternoons might drift into spa time; evenings can stretch over terrace tea as the valleys glow. With new activities debuting soon, travelers will find more reasons to return—across seasons and occasions.

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