Rashad Iskandrni 

 

Moscow continues to strengthen its position as an attractive destination for GCC travellers seeking a modern, safe and welcoming city. As autumn gives way to winter, the Russian capital is preparing a new season of cultural, leisure and festive experiences for international visitors.

 

Travel to Moscow is also becoming more accessible. The agreement between Russia and Saudi Arabia on the mutual abolition of visa requirements came into effect on May 11 this year, allowing eligible travellers from both countries to enter visa-free. Russia also has visa-free arrangements with the UAE, Oman and Qatar, while travellers from Bahrain and Kuwait can use Russia’s electronic visa system, which usually takes around four days to process.

 

GCC-oriented facilities and services

 

Moscow hotels and restaurants continue to develop services for halal-observant guests. Restaurants offering halal options include Maroon and Bazzap, while Bardak offers a wide range of halal Turkish dishes. Cheff Kebab House serves halal steaks and kebabs, Ayva offers traditional Uzbek dishes prepared with halal ingredients, and Daghouse provides a halal menu as well as separate seating areas for men and women.

 

Moscow’s Muslim-Friendly Guide helps visitors navigate certified restaurants and hotels offering services for Muslim travellers, as well as prayer facilities, shopping and entertainment options. Prepared in partnership with Roskachestvo, the Russian Quality System, and the International Halal Certification and Standardization Center under the Council of Muftis of Russia, the guide also provides information on Moscow’s major mosques, including the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, the Moscow Historical Mosque, the Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Hill and the Yardem Mosque. Prayer rooms are also available at Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo airports.

 

Together with Moscow’s developed tourist infrastructure and services, these facilities are designed to make travel around the city comfortable and safe for international visitors.

 

The year-round Moscow Teatime project adds another local dimension to the city’s gastronomic experience. Visitors can try signature tea blends with flavours selected by Muscovites and served in specially designed Moscow Teatime tableware. During winter, the project continues at venues across the capital, including VDNH, the Tsaritsyno and Kuzminki-Lyublino museum-reserves and other cultural locations, where tea is accompanied by traditional treats and seasonal activities.

 

“Interest in Moscow among GCC guests is steadily growing, and we strive to respond to their needs with quality services that pay attention to detail. The simplified visa procedures, developed infrastructure, and new cultural projects make the capital a convenient and attractive destination for the whole family,” said Magomed Mezhiev, Head of Directorate for Cooperation with the Middle East, Africa and Europe, Moscow City Tourism Committee.

 

From autumn to winter in Moscow

 

Moscow offers visitors different experiences throughout the year. During autumn, the city’s parks, historic estates and central districts provide visitors with opportunities to explore its cultural heritage, architecture and gastronomy.

 

As winter approaches, the Winter in Moscow project brings seasonal activities to locations across the capital. The Journey to Christmas festival forms part of the project, alongside ice-skating rinks, festive city spaces and outdoor experiences.

 

VDNH, one of Moscow’s major exhibition, cultural and leisure complexes, becomes an important winter destination in its own right. Visitors can skate on its seasonal ice rink, explore museums and exhibition pavilions, attend cultural events and spend time across the vast historic grounds of the complex.

 

Moskino Film Park offers a different kind of experience. One of the world’s largest outdoor film production sites, it features large-scale sets recreating different historical periods and locations from around the world. Visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of film production, join guided tours and take part in entertainment programmes.

 

Moscow’s historic estates also offer opportunities to explore the capital beyond its central landmarks, combining architecture, landscaped grounds and cultural heritage with a different atmosphere in every season.

 

Luxury shopping and cultural experiences

 

For GCC travellers looking for premium experiences, Moscow combines luxury shopping with cultural attractions. GUM and TSUM remain among the capital’s leading shopping destinations, alongside exclusive showrooms of Russian designers.

 

During the festive season, GUM and TSUM also become part of Moscow’s New Year atmosphere, combining luxury shopping with seasonal decorations and gift shopping in the city centre.

 

With every season, Moscow reveals a different side of the city. Autumn brings parks, architecture and gastronomy into focus, while winter transforms public spaces with skating, festive events and cultural experiences. This variety gives visitors from the Gulf new reasons to discover Moscow throughout the year and experience the capital differently with each visit