Bahrain Joins Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, And Turkey In Catalyzing Moscow’s Middle Eastern Tourism Surge To Over Two Hundred Thirty-Nine Thousand Visitors In 2025, Unleashing Unmatched Cultural And Travel Opportunities

Published on December 30, 2025

Bahrain’s inclusion alongside Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Turkey has significantly contributed to Moscow’s booming tourism from the Middle East. With over 239,000 visitors in 2025, this surge reflects the city’s growing appeal among Middle Eastern travelers. Moscow’s enhanced accessibility, including simplified visa procedures and expanded flight routes, combined with its rich cultural offerings and year-round events, make it an attractive destination. These factors, along with strategic partnerships and cultural exchanges, are key drivers in positioning Moscow as a preferred destination for Middle Eastern tourists.

Moscow has reported strong tourism numbers from the Middle East for the first nine months of 2025. A total of 239,100 tourists from the region visited the Russian capital, marking a significant increase in the number of visitors. Among the countries contributing to this rise, Saudi Arabia and Oman stand out, with 43,700 and 15,200 visitors, respectively. This upward trend reflects the growing appeal of Moscow as a destination for Middle Eastern travelers.

The surge in Middle Eastern tourism is driven by several factors, with safety, service, and hospitality at the forefront. Moscow has long been known for its rich historical landmarks, deep cultural heritage, and wide range of leisure activities. Visitors from the region are particularly drawn to the city’s varied offerings, from exploring its grand monuments and museums to indulging in local cuisine or shopping for Russian-made goods. Moscow’s year-round calendar of events, including festivals, concerts, and cultural showcases, also plays a significant role in maintaining the city’s attractiveness throughout the seasons.

Moreover, Moscow has worked to improve accessibility, further enhancing its appeal to international visitors. For Middle Eastern tourists, visa procedures have been simplified, with options for electronic visas or even visa-free travel for citizens of certain countries. This ease of travel has been complemented by an increase in direct flights from the region. Saudi Arabia, in particular, saw an expansion of air routes to Moscow, including a boost in flight frequency starting in December. The national airline of Saudi Arabia, Saudia, now operates five flights per week from Riyadh, making it more convenient for travelers to reach the Russian capital.

In addition to improved accessibility, Moscow has actively strengthened its relationships with countries in the Middle East, enhancing both cultural and tourism collaborations. These efforts are a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering strong ties with the region. This year, Moscow hosted various business missions aimed at developing partnerships with tourism professionals in Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, and Turkey. The city also introduced the inaugural ‘Moscow Seasons’ festival in Kuwait, a cultural event that attracted over 375,000 visitors and marked a milestone in regional engagement.

The continued focus on the Middle Eastern market is expected to carry over into the winter season of 2025-2026. Moscow is preparing for a surge of visitors from the region with a host of festive offerings designed to evoke the magic of the winter season. The streets of Moscow will be adorned with holiday decorations, while open-air markets and seasonal performances, including ice shows and classical ballet, will be staged throughout the city. Visitors will have the chance to participate in traditional winter activities, from ice skating to sledding with huskies, all of which are part of the city’s extensive winter tourism experience.

Moscow’s strategy of combining cultural promotion with enhanced travel infrastructure, along with its seasonal attractions, continues to position the city as a leading destination for Middle Eastern travelers. By promoting the unique charm of its winters and rich cultural events, Moscow aims to remain a key player in the growing Middle Eastern tourism market.