Moscow has witnessed a dramatic increase in tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia. 52,400 Saudi nationals visited the Russian capital in 2024, compared to 9,300 in 2023, marking a 5.7-fold increase. The surge reflects growing collaboration between Russia and the Kingdom, as both sides invest in deeper tourism and cultural ties and participate in travel and tourism trade shows to promote destinations.

The rise is closely linked to Russia’s introduction of an e-visa regime, which has significantly simplified the entry process for Saudi travellers. Since its launch in August 2023, over 80,000 e-visas have been issued to Saudi citizens, positioning the Kingdom as the second-largest recipient of Russian e-visas to date.

As part of efforts to strengthen bilateral tourism relations, the Moscow City Tourism Committee conducted a promotional tour across Riyadh and Jeddah, presenting Moscow as a leading cultural and leisure destination for the Saudi market. Meetings held during the visit brought together Saudi tourism stakeholders and Russian officials to explore partnership opportunities in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes international collaboration and cultural exchange.

Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, stated:

“Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in Moscow reflects the city’s rising profile as a destination that blends rich history, vibrant culture, and modern attractions. In the first quarter of 2025, Moscow welcomed 9,900 visitors from Saudi Arabia — a 1.5-fold increase compared to the same period last year. We are committed to strengthening tourism ties and improving accessibility through initiatives such as the e-visa.”

Moscow is increasingly positioning itself as a welcoming destination for Muslim travellers, with a range of halal-certified restaurants, prayer facilities, and a dedicated Muslim-friendly travel guide featuring recommended accommodations and over 30 halal-friendly dining options.

The city also offers an extensive year-round calendar of cultural and family-oriented events.

Key upcoming programmes include:

Gardens and Flowers Festival, transforming public spaces with large-scale floral installations
Theatre Boulevard 2025, presenting open-air performances across city streets and squares
Moscow Mansions, offering access to historic private estates
Moscow Jazz Festival, featuring international musical acts
Chess Boulevard, encouraging public engagement through outdoor tournaments and exhibitions

Moscow is also investing in tourism technology solutions to enhance visitor experiences, from digital guides to smart city infrastructure. These innovations support the city’s appeal to international travellers and align with growing global trends in health and wellness tourism, especially for those seeking restorative travel experiences.

This growing demand from Saudi travellers underscores the strategic importance of the Middle East as a high-potential outbound market for Russia. At MITT 2026, destinations, DMCs, and tourism authorities seeking to enter or expand their presence in Russia will have the opportunity to connect directly with key buyers and decision-makers shaping this evolving market. Those interested in showcasing their offerings can submit an exhibit enquiry to secure a spot and maximise their visibility in this expanding tourism landscape.

Source: Arabian Business

Saudi Visitors to Moscow Surge 470% as Bilateral Tourism Ties Strengthen