UAE Joins Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Russia in Groundbreaking Visa-Free Agreement – How It Will Impact Travel Between Moscow and the Gulf

Published on December 2, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

On December 1, 2025, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Russia finalized a groundbreaking intergovernmental agreement allowing visa-free travel between Moscow, Riyadh, and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. This agreement marks a significant shift in diplomatic and tourism exchanges, simplifying travel for business, leisure, and family purposes.

What Happened?

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, along with Bahrain and Russia, have signed a historic agreement to allow visa-free travel between their countries. Citizens from these nations will be able to stay in each other’s countries for up to 90 days, either consecutively or spread over multiple visits within a year. The waiver covers tourism, business, and family visits but excludes work, study, and long-term residency.

This deal follows Russia’s broader effort to enhance its ties with the Gulf and diversify its tourism markets. The UAE’s participation solidifies its position as a central hub for business and travel between Moscow and the Gulf region.

Where Does This Apply?

The visa-waiver arrangement applies to travelers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Russia. These countries are now part of a growing group of nations with relaxed visa policies that enable easier movement for tourism and business. The UAE’s inclusion in this deal further strengthens its role as a key player in regional diplomacy, making it easier for travelers to move between Moscow, Riyadh, Dubai, and Doha.

This agreement also sets the stage for Bahrain and Kuwait, which are expected to finalize their visa-free deals with Russia in 2025, increasing the number of Gulf countries participating in the visa-exemption program.

When Will This Take Effect?

The visa-free agreement officially took effect on December 1, 2025, allowing citizens of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Russia to travel freely between these countries without needing a visa. This change is set to transform travel dynamics and encourage both tourism and business exchanges, particularly between Moscow and major Gulf cities like Riyadh, Dubai, and Doha.

Why Is Russia Pursuing This Agreement?

Russia’s decision to remove visa requirements for GCC countries is motivated by several strategic factors:

1. Tourism Growth: With tourism from Europe declining due to sanctions and flight bans, Russia is focusing on new markets in the Middle East and Asia. This agreement with Gulf states will help Russia achieve its goal of increasing tourism’s contribution to its GDP to 5% by 2030. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are vital markets for Russia’s growing tourism sector.
2. Geopolitical Strategy: The agreement deepens Russia’s diplomatic ties with the Gulf, signaling a shift toward greater cooperation in the face of ongoing tensions with the West. This deal serves to reinforce Russia’s growing influence in the Middle East, offering an alternative to Western-dominated trade and diplomatic frameworks.
3. Economic Opportunities: Facilitating business travel is another key driver behind the agreement. Investors, energy experts, and business professionals can now travel between Russia and the Gulf more easily, fostering greater collaboration in sectors like energy, technology, and infrastructure, while bypassing Western financial systems.

How Will This Agreement Impact Travelers?

For travelers, the visa-free arrangement is a significant improvement, simplifying the process of visiting these countries. Citizens of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Russia will no longer need to apply for visas to visit each other’s countries for tourism, business, or family reasons. This will make it easier to explore Russia’s rich cultural and historical offerings, as well as foster closer economic ties between the Gulf and Russia.

The agreement also benefits business professionals by facilitating easier travel for meetings, conferences, and negotiations. The UAE, as a major international hub, will see increased connectivity between Moscow, Riyadh, and other Gulf cities, with greater ease for business and leisure travelers alike.

What’s Next for Russia’s Visa-Free Diplomacy?

The agreement with the UAE is just one part of Russia’s larger strategy to strengthen ties with the Gulf region. Bahrain and Kuwait are expected to finalize similar agreements with Russia in 2025, further enhancing the flow of travelers between Moscow and the Gulf.

With visa-free travel now in place, it is expected that direct flights between Moscow and Gulf hubs like Riyadh, Dubai, and Doha will increase in frequency. This will create more opportunities for travelers and enhance the connectivity between these major cities.

The UAE’s participation in this visa-free agreement marks a turning point in the relationship between Russia and the Gulf states. As more countries join the agreement, it will lead to greater movement of people, business, and culture, making it easier for Gulf residents to explore Russia and vice versa. The new visa-exemption rules are set to open a new chapter in tourism, trade, and diplomatic exchanges between Moscow, Riyadh, and the Gulf nations.