Russia and the UAE expand tourism cooperation and the geography of mutual travel

The 6th ‘Let’s Travel!’ International Tourism Forum hosted a session entitled “Russia–UAE Tourism Dialogue: A Success Story”. Representatives of government bodies, the diplomatic corps, tourism associations, the hotel industry, airlines, and digital platforms discussed the growth of mutual tourist flows, the development of direct air links, the adaptation of services to travellers’ needs, and the prospects for implementing joint investment projects. The ‘Let’s Travel!’ International Tourism Forum is organized by the Roscongress Foundation together with the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation.

The United Arab Emirates is among the most popular foreign destinations for Russian travellers and is simultaneously becoming one of the promising markets for inbound tourism to Russia. In 2025, Russian tourists made more than 2 million trips to the UAE, and mutual tourist exchange between the two countries continued to grow.

Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Maxim Reshetnikov noted that tourism occupies an important place in bilateral Russian-UAE cooperation. He said that further development of cooperation is linked to the expansion of air links, the improvement of payment solutions, the digitalization of services, and the attraction of investment into tourism infrastructure.

“We need to seek systemic solutions. One such solution could be an expansion of the flight geography. We believe attention should be paid to cities in Siberia and the Far East, such as Tyumen, Gorno-Altaysk, and Khabarovsk. New international terminals have recently opened there, tourist infrastructure is well developed, and winter activities and mountain resorts are available,” said Maxim Reshetnikov.

Russia continues to develop its hotel and resort infrastructure, expanding accommodation capacity and creating new ski complexes and all-season attractions. To support further sector growth, it is necessary to ensure an inflow of investment, introduce modern property management models, and draw on international hospitality experience.

Maxim Reshetnikov also gave particular attention to the development of accessible payment instruments for foreign tourists. The ability to pay for hotels, transport, food, excursions, and other services in a familiar way is one of the main conditions for a comfortable trip. He identified joint digitalization and automation of tourism services as another promising direction.

Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Tourism H.E. Juma Al Kait noted that the growth of mutual tourist flows has been the result of consistent joint work by the two states. An inter-governmental working group on tourism development has been established to help implement new initiatives, remove existing barriers, and strengthen interaction between market participants.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to the Russian Federation Mohamed Ahmed Al Jaber stressed the importance of air corridors and direct interaction between the tourism businesses of both countries. He noted that each of the seven emirates has its own distinct tourism offerings from beach and family holidays to cultural routes, diving, desert trips, and business events.

“Tourism is not merely an important component of the economy. It is an inspiring instrument that revives bridges of friendship and paves roads of trust between our peoples. The flow of tourists is a spark of living exchange. Last year alone, more than 70,000 UAE citizens visited Russia. Emirati tourists are captivated by the grandeur of Moscow and the charm of St. Petersburg, and all of them take home only the warmest memories of Russia. I am convinced that this Forum will create a platform for discussing pressing topics, enable the forging of new reliable acquaintances, and outline concrete steps for the near future,” said Mohamed Ahmed Al Jaber.

Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa reported that the number of Russian guests in the emirate increased by 25% last year. Sharjah is developing primarily cultural and family tourism, combining beach holidays, nature routes, the cultural heritage of the Persian Gulf, and desert trips.

The Emirate is also continuing to build hotels and expand its tourism infrastructure. In developing new products, particular attention is paid to Russian travellers, who are well acquainted with international hospitality standards and have high expectations of service quality.

Senior Vice President, International Operations – Dubai Economy & Tourism Department Hoor Al Khaja spoke about Dubai’s development as a global hub for tourism, business, and life. In 2025, the city welcomed 20 million international tourists, setting a new record.

She noted that Dubai continuously analyzes travellers’ needs and uses them as the basis for improving urban infrastructure, the hotel product, and service quality. Tourism remains one of the most important sectors of the Emirate’s economy while simultaneously attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and new residents.

Airlines play a significant role in the growth of mutual tourist flows. Etihad Airways General Manager for Russia and Central Asia Natalia Goryunova noted that Russian travellers often associate the UAE primarily with Dubai, but the expansion of the flight geography helps introduce them to other emirates as well.

The airline is developing connections between Abu Dhabi and Russian regions. In addition to Moscow and St. Petersburg, the route network includes Sochi, and in 2026 Kazan has been added. The company is also increasing the number of Russian-speaking staff and progressively integrating the Russian language into passenger services.

“Abu Dhabi combines beach and family holidays, cultural sites, and a rich events programme. Many tourists, having visited the emirate once, subsequently choose it for regular trips. Our task is to expand the flight programme and ensure passenger comfort at every stage of the journey,” said Natalia Goryunova.

Head of the International Relations Committee of the Russian Union of the Travel Industry Sergey Voytovich drew attention to the need for further expansion of the direct flight geography. He noted that air links should be developed not only with Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also with Russian regions that already have the necessary tourism infrastructure in place.

Sochi remains one of the most promising directions. Its mild climate, well-developed hotel base, ski resorts, beach and wellness programmes make it possible to create offerings of interest to travellers from Gulf states in different seasons.

Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee Evgeny Kozlov noted the high potential of tourism ties between Moscow and the emirates. Russia’s capital is one of the main entry points for tourists from the UAE, and further growth in the flow depends on the development of direct air links, joint promotion, and the adaptation of urban infrastructure to guests’ needs.

Executive Director of the Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) Maya Lomidze stressed that the UAE is among the top five leading foreign destinations on the Russian market. She identified the country’s ability to rapidly change and improve its tourism product, creating new attractions and raising service standards, as one of its distinctive features.

For the further development of organized tourism, it is important to ensure the availability of a complete package product encompassing flights, accommodation, transfers, and other services. This format makes trips more predictable for the traveller and supports the stable operation of tour operators.

CEO and Head of Travel Media Solutions, Yandex Ads Middle East & Africa Evgeny Pavlov noted that tourist exchange is shaped at the intersection of the interests of government bodies, airlines, tour operators, digital platforms, and travellers themselves. Effective communication between these participants makes it possible to bring new products to market more quickly and sustain demand throughout the year.

He noted that the modern tourist is becoming increasingly demanding and expects all stages of a trip to be available in a convenient digital format. Electronic platforms allow travellers to choose a destination, book a flight and hotel, arrange a transfer, and plan a trip itinerary all in one space.

“Digital services can influence the overall perception of a trip. The fewer difficulties a tourist encounters when searching for information, making bookings, and getting around the country, the more likely they are to be satisfied with their trip and choose that destination again,” said Evgeny Pavlov.

President of Cosmos Hotel Group Alexander Biba spoke about preparing hotel infrastructure to receive guests from the UAE. The group manages around 50 hotels, including a new property on Novy Arbat in Moscow. He noted that UAE travellers are accustomed to a high level of comfort, and it is therefore important for the Russian hotel industry to take into account their requirements in terms of rooms, dining, family holidays, and personalized service.

Another area of cooperation could be the entry of Russian hotel brands into the UAE market. This would require developing partnerships with local investors and operators and adapting the product to the specificities of the Emirati market.

“For us it is important not only to welcome guests from the UAE in Russian hotels, but also to explore opportunities for a presence in the Emirati market. We need to find common ground and build trust in Russian hotel brands, so that tourists are willing to follow familiar quality in another country,” said Alexander Biba.

Participants in the tourism dialogue agreed that Russian-UAE cooperation already has a solid foundation for further growth. A visa-free regime, well-developed air links, strong mutual interest among travellers, and active inter-governmental engagement are creating the conditions for expanding the geography of travel and launching new joint projects.

The next step should be closer business cooperation, the development of package tourism products, the introduction of convenient payment and digital solutions, the attraction of investment, and the adaptation of infrastructure to the expectations of guests from both countries.

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