UAE Joins Saudi Arabia Qatar and Oman in Driving Over One Million Gulf Tourists to Russia, Igniting a Record-Breaking Winter Travel Surge with Thrilling Adventures, Luxury Escapes and Unmatched Experiences Amid Geopolitical Shifts

Published on February 27, 2026

Image generated with Ai

UAE joins Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman in driving over one million Gulf tourists to Russia, marking a significant shift in global travel trends. This surge is fueled by a combination of factors, including the growing diplomatic ties between the Gulf nations and Russia, the allure of Russia’s winter landscapes, and the country’s strategic efforts to pivot away from Western markets. Gulf travelers are drawn to Russia’s unique offerings, from luxurious accommodations in Moscow to thrilling winter adventures like husky sledding and hovercrafting on frozen lakes. This influx of tourists highlights a deepening cultural and economic exchange, further solidifying Russia as a prominent destination for the affluent Gulf traveler.

Russia, in the heart of winter, has become an unexpected yet growing destination for tourists from the Gulf region, including countries like Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. While the ongoing war with Ukraine continues to shift Russia’s foreign relations, one surprising outcome has been an increasing influx of Arabic-speaking tourists seeking to experience the country’s natural and cultural beauty. From snow-covered landscapes to high-end luxury experiences, Russia is redefining its tourism strategy amid the geopolitical turbulence.

Gulf Tourists Experiencing the Russian Winter Like Never Before

In the biting cold of Moscow’s winter, tourists from the Gulf have started to embrace Russia’s seasonal offerings, stepping into the country’s iconic snow-covered fields for an experience far removed from their warm desert homes. One of the highlights of their visits is a unique way to explore Russia’s vast wilderness—huskies pulling sleds across sprawling fields. This exhilarating winter activity offers first-time visitors a chance to see a Russia they’ve only ever seen in pictures.

Meanwhile, in a more serene corner of Russia, a couple from Qatar spends their time feeding a small herd of reindeer, immersing themselves in a softer aspect of Russia’s wildlife. For those with an adventurous spirit, the experience of driving hovercrafts at high speeds across frozen lakes provides an adrenaline-pumping way to explore Russia’s winter wonderland.

Further north, another group of tourists ascends in a hot air balloon, soaring gracefully over snow-covered terrain that stretches endlessly toward the horizon, giving them an unforgettable view of Russia’s natural beauty.

Russia’s Diplomatic Pivot and the Surge of Arabic-Speaking Tourists

Since the onset of the war with Ukraine, Russia has been steadily shifting its foreign policy focus, moving away from its traditionally Western allies and strengthening ties with regions like the Middle East. This pivot has paid off in the form of a surge in tourism from Arabic-speaking countries, eager to experience the warmth of Russia’s hospitality, culture, and nature.

Russia’s growing diplomatic ties with the Gulf region have played a significant role in boosting tourism. Direct flights between Moscow and key Gulf capitals have been increasing, alongside new visa-free travel agreements that make it easier for Gulf nationals to visit Russia. Countries like Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have not only facilitated stronger diplomatic ties but have also brokered key exchanges, including prisoner swaps and even assisted in the return of Ukrainian children.

Key Countries Contributing to Russia’s Tourism Growth

Here’s a look at how different countries in the Gulf region have contributed to the growing tourism industry in Russia:

• Saudi Arabia has achieved a remarkable milestone by rising to second place among the top countries sending tourists to Russia, with nearly 75,000 visitors last year. This marks a 36% increase in tourism compared to the previous year, underscoring the country’s growing enthusiasm for Russian travel experiences.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) tourists have also made their mark, with over 59,000 visitors securing the sixth position in the tourism rankings. UAE nationals have long enjoyed Russia’s high-end offerings, from luxury accommodations to fine dining and exclusive shopping experiences.
• Qatar has emerged as a significant player, with many of its citizens seeking winter escapades in Russia. The cultural exchange and strong diplomatic ties between Qatar and Russia have only heightened the appeal of the Russian winter for Qatari tourists.
• Oman, though slightly behind the other Gulf nations in terms of numbers, has also contributed to the increase in Arabic-speaking visitors, reflecting broader regional trends in shifting diplomatic and tourism flows.

Luxury Accommodations and High-Spending Tourists

Gulf tourists in Russia tend to indulge in the finest luxuries. Most of them stay in five-star hotels in Moscow’s city center, enjoying the best the Russian capital has to offer. From gourmet dining in high-end Russian-themed restaurants to shopping along Moscow’s prestigious streets and malls, these visitors often make the most of their time in Russia’s capital.

On average, Gulf tourists spend between 200,000 and 300,000 roubles ($6,523) on additional services. However, the impact of Western sanctions has made certain luxury purchases more difficult, with restrictions on cash limits. If not for these restrictions, tourism experts believe Gulf visitors would likely spend even more.

Russia’s Tourism Industry Resilience Despite the War

Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, Russia’s tourism industry has shown remarkable resilience. In 2025, the country managed to attract 1.64 million international tourists, marking a 4.5% increase from the previous year. However, this is still a significant drop compared to 2018, when Russia welcomed 4.2 million tourists, thanks to the World Cup and other global events.

While Russia continues to face geopolitical challenges, including the closure of airports due to Ukrainian drone attacks and extended border security checks, these issues have not fully deterred tourists. In contrast, many Russian citizens are traveling abroad, with nearly 2.5 million Russians visiting the UAE in 2025—a marked increase of nearly 25% compared to the previous year.

UAE joins Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman in driving over one million Gulf tourists to Russia, driven by stronger diplomatic ties, luxurious experiences, and unique winter adventures. This surge reflects a growing cultural and economic exchange, positioning Russia as a prime destination for Gulf travelers.

Russia’s tourism industry is undoubtedly in a state of transformation, with the Middle East playing an increasingly pivotal role in this shift. The growing number of Arabic-speaking tourists—from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and beyond—is indicative of broader geopolitical changes that are reshaping Russia’s international relationships.

For Gulf visitors, Russia offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience a country that is both familiar and foreign, with rich cultural exchanges and natural beauty that few other destinations can match. As diplomatic ties continue to strengthen, Russia is positioning itself as a prime destination for those seeking a luxurious yet authentic winter escape.

In the years ahead, with more tourists flocking to Russia’s wintery landscapes and luxurious hotels, the country’s tourism industry may very well continue its upward trajectory—albeit one that remains influenced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.