According to a report by the Financial Times, Moscow has streamlined the online visa application procedure for various countries and has sponsored trips for Arabic-speaking influencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
These initiatives have proven fruitful, positioning Gulf nationals as a significant and growing market for Russia’s tourism industry.
The total number of visits from the Gulf has surged by more than four times from 2019 to 2024, as reported by the Russian Tour Operators Association.
In response to the growing influx of tourists, Saudi budget airline Nas Air began offering three direct flights weekly from Riyadh to Moscow in August, while Saudi Arabian Airlines plans to initiate flights to the Russian capital this fall.
Additionally, Air Arabia has announced a seasonal service between Abu Dhabi and Yekaterinburg starting in October.
More travelers are now choosing Russia for its affordability and the opportunity to explore a new destination, encouraged by a wave of social media posts from influencers visiting the country.
Ostrovok, a Russian hotel booking site, reported a nearly one-third increase in demand from Middle Eastern tourists in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Daria Kouchetkova, the managing director of Ostrovok, indicated that these visitors spend on average 30% more per night than European tourists, with nearly 80% opting for 4 or 5-star accommodations.
Some even dare to experience the Russian winter for a unique adventure.
Gulf visitors have expressed a sense of safety due to the noticeable police presence in tourist areas. However, Western sanctions related to the conflict in Ukraine have introduced some travel adjustments, as credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are no longer operational in Russia, necessitating tourists to carry substantial amounts of cash.
Furthermore, with Moscow jamming GPS signals to thwart drone attacks, applications such as Google Maps and Uber have become unusable in parts of the capital.
The absence of global brands due to sanctions does not significantly impact Gulf tourists, who primarily seek traditional souvenirs and have praised the widespread availability of halal food and a variety of chocolates.