Hospitality

Moscow Travel GCC: Why UAE & Gulf Tourists Are Choosing Moscow

Published

11 months ago

September 3, 2025

Regina Gleim, Head of the International Сooperation Division of the Moscow City Tourism Committee

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.

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Hospitality

NEW SIGNATURE BRUNCH EXPERIENCE LAUNCHES ACROSS DUBAI AND ABU DHABI

Published

7 hours ago

August 12, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Society UAE, the premier lifestyle dining destination, is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated new Brunch offer, going live across both its Dubai and Abu Dhabi locations on August 15th.

Society Unveils A Signature Brunch Across Dubai And Abu Dhabi

Served exclusively on Society’s signature wooden brunch board, the new offering is a meticulously curated feast crafted from the finest, freshest ingredients. Each board is designed to deliver a complete and balanced culinary experience, featuring one hearty main course, one freshly baked pastry, one savoury side dish, and one indulgent dessert. The selections of main dishes include a creamy roasted chicken and mushroom pie, truffle soft scramble on a warm croffle, and huevos rancheros. Desserts include a range of Society’s classic French Toast, Syrniki and creamy dessert cups by MAD Hospitality’s nostaligc dessert concept, HAZE. Fresh pastries include mini garlic bread, mini shio pan and almond croissant while guests can indulge in their favorite side dishes including french fries, chicken sausage or arugula salad. To complement the meal, guests can select one classic beverage of their choice, featuring premium coffee or fresh juice to savour throughout the brunch.

The wooden board concept is designed to be the ultimate centerpiece for social gatherings. Whether it is a relaxed weekend morning with the family or a long catch-up with friends, Society’ Brunch offers a communal, high-quality dining experience tailored for sharing and savoring.

Offer Details:

Launch Date: August 15, 2026
Locations: Society Dubai, Jumeirah 1 and Society Abu Dhabi, Al Mamsha, Al Saadiyat
The Menu: The signature wooden brunch board includes 1 Main, 1 Pastry, 1 Side Dish, 1 Dessert, plus 1 Classic Drink.
Pricing: AED 120 per board (including drink)
Availability: Saturday and Sunday from 8:00AM until 2:00PM
For reservations and more information, please call: +971 56 408 7099 for Society Abu Dhabi, and +97150 210 0096 for Society Dubai.

Hospitality

Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa Launches Seasonal “Taste of Summer Experience” in Abu Dhabi

Published

7 hours ago

August 12, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa has announced the launch of its Taste of Summer Experience, a new seasonal offering designed to combine exceptional dining with leisure, giving guests the perfect way to enjoy the summer months in Abu Dhabi.

The Season with the “Taste of Summer Experience” at Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa

Guests can choose from two distinct dining experiences at the resort’s signature restaurants, Azur and Wanasah, each offering its own unique summer experience.

Two Distinctive Culinary Experiences

The Azur experience is designed for guests looking to enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the resort before dinner. Guests can access the resort’s private beach and swimming pool from 3:00 PM, followed by a three-course dinner from 6:00 PM.

Azur Restaurant – AED 120 per person

Pool & Beach Access: From 3:00 PM

Dinner: From 6:00 PM

Enjoy a complete summer escape featuring:

Refreshing welcome drink
Complimentary access to the resort’s private beach and swimming pool
Three-course set menu

Appetizers

Burrata, Carpaccio Di Monza, Mushroom Soup

Main Courses

Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops, Ravioli Cream, Chicken Tarragon

Desserts

Tiramisu, Crème Brûlée, Apple Tart

Wanasah Restaurant – AED 120 per person

Dinner: From 5:00 PM

The Wanasah experience is a dining-only experience, offering guests an authentic Middle Eastern culinary journey from 5:00 PM onwards.

Appetizers

Hummus, Tabbouleh

Main Courses

Sayadieh Fish, Shish Kebab, Lamb Chop

Desserts

Halawat Al Jibn, Um Ali, Saffron Rice Pudding

A Summer Experience for Every Taste

With two different experiences and timings to choose from, guests can select the option that best matches how they want to spend their summer evening in Abu Dhabi.

For bookings, please direct them to F&B Reservations at +971 56 545 0274 or email fbsecretary.alraha@danathotels.com | Follow @alrahabeachresortandspa on Instagram to stay up to date with the latest offers and experiences.

Hospitality

Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf Rewards Long Summer Stays with 15,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points

Published

8 hours ago

August 12, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

This summer, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf is rewarding its longest-staying guests with something worth settling in for. Guests who stay 30 nights or more will earn a bonus of 15,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

The offer lands as Dubai’s hospitality market leans further into longer-stay demand and within that expansion, hotel apartments have carved out a distinct niche: business travellers on extended assignments, relocating executives and families settling in for months at a time are increasingly choosing the flexibility of a private residence over a traditional hotel room, a shift that is prompting operators across the city to compete harder for the long-staying guest.

The timing is no accident as Al Jaddaf has recently completed a refurbishment across its residences, refreshing interiors while preserving the warm, residential character the property is known for. Every apartment now also features an in-unit water filtration system for premium drinking water, removing the need for single-use plastic bottles across the building, part of a broader push to make longer stays not just more rewarding, but more comfortable and more sustainable. Beyond the apartment door, residents find a fully equipped gym, two outdoor swimming pools, a Balinese spa, a beauty salon, an ATM and an on-site convenience store, along with five restaurants and lounges that carry them from a business dinner to a relaxed family meal to a quiet evening drink.

The bonus builds on rewards that already come with every stay. Across the Marriott Executive Apartments brand, guests now earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points for every US dollar spent, while every night counts as one Elite Night Credit towards Marriott Bonvoy status. For those settling in for a month or a full season, a long stay in Dubai becomes a fast track to elite recognition across Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 10,000 hotels worldwide.

“Many of our guests choose to stay with us for months rather than nights, and this summer’s offer is a way of recognising that,” said Saad Al-Ghamdi, General Manager. “The longer a guest makes Al Jaddaf their home in Dubai, the more rewarding the stay becomes, both during their time here and across the wider Marriott Bonvoy programme.”

With monthly and yearly residency arrangements available, guests enjoy the flexibility of a private lease without the setup costs, the paperwork or the compromise on service that usually accompany it.

Set in the heart of Dubai with views over Dubai Creek and the city skyline, Marriott Executive Apartments Al Jaddaf sits less than 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Airport. Its fully serviced one, two and three-bedroom apartments come with full kitchens, generous living and dining areas and dedicated workspaces, alongside twice-weekly housekeeping, 24-hour concierge and security, and in-room dining around the clock.