Russia opens a completely new world for travelers from the Gulf countries: cool summers instead of 45°C, palace architecture instead of skyscrapers, and a level of service comparable to Dubai. The flow of tourists from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to Moscow and St. Petersburg has grown more than fourfold from 2019 to 2024 — and this is no coincidence.

Cool Climate and Luxury: Why Travel to Russia in Summer

When temperatures in Dubai and Riyadh reach 45–50 degrees, Moscow and St. Petersburg offer comfortable +20–25°C. White Nights in the Northern Capital, walks along the Neva embankments and evening shopping without exhausting heat — an experience unavailable in the home region. At the same time, more than 90% of tourists from the Gulf choose hotel accommodation, and 42.7% prefer five-star hotels specifically — 6.5 percentage points above the average.

Flagship Hotels of Moscow: Palm Jumeirah-Level Service

Russia’s capital offers a collection of luxury hotels capable of satisfying the most demanding requests:
• Lotte Hotel Moscow — flagship on Novinsky Boulevard with Russia’s largest Royal Suite of 490 m². World-class Mandara Spa complex, hammam, pool with hydromassage and personal butler 24/7. Three levels of underground parking and VIP transfers make the hotel an ideal base for affluent families.
• Four Seasons Hotel Moscow — located right at Red Square with panoramic views of the Kremlin. Indoor pool, several restaurants and signature Four Seasons concierge service in an urban palace format.
• The Carlton, Moscow — «penthouse above Tverskaya» concept: rooftop panoramic bar, spa with pool and direct access to TSUM and GUM. Lifestyle format for those who value evening trips to Arbat.
• Balchug Kempinski — classic European luxury with views of the Kremlin and Moscow River. High ceilings, historical status and separate halls for private meetings.
• Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow — boutique hotel near the Bolshoi Theatre. Designer suites, intimate atmosphere and walking distance to major shopping galleries.

Palace St. Petersburg: Four Seasons and Grand Hotel Europe

St. Petersburg — a city where you can live in a 19th-century palace:
• Four Seasons Lion Palace — 19th-century building near St. Isaac’s Cathedral with 183 rooms and suites. Four-level Luceo Spa with a 40 m² pool, terrace with views of the historic center. A format familiar to guests accustomed to the Four Seasons level in Dubai.
• Grand Hotel Europe — legend on the corner of Nevsky Prospect. Live piano, gastronomic sets and separate services for families and delegations in «Russian classic» style.
• Corinthia St. Petersburg — large luxury hotel right on Nevsky with spa and several restaurants. Stable European service for groups and MICE tours.
• Rossi Boutique Hotel & SPA — intimate hotel on Fontanka for those who value privacy and spa experience steps from Nevsky.

Country Residence: Barvikha Hotel & Spa

Just eight kilometers from Moscow on the Rublyovo-Uspenskoye Highway is Barvikha Hotel & Spa — a member of The Leading Hotels of the World association. Design by legendary architect Antonio Citterio, 2000 m² spa complex with exclusive methodology by Dr. Henri Chenot, villas and suites in minimalist style. The «country residence» concept resembles villas on Palm Jumeirah, but with Russian nature and coolness outside the window.

Private Residences: Live Like Home, But with 5* Service

For guests planning long-term stays with family:
• Stella di Mosca Hotel & Residences — residence hotel format steps from the Kremlin. Apartments with the possibility to arrange a personal chef and nanny — ideal for families with children for 5–10 nights.
• Majestic Boutique Hotel Deluxe (St. Petersburg) — individually designed suites as «family apartments» in the historic center.

Halal Service: Russia is Ready for Gulf Guests

More than 15 hotels in Russia have received official halal certification. In the rooms of certified hotels — qibla direction indicator, prayer mat, Quran, prayer schedule and bidet shower. Many five-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg offer halal menu by prior request. The cities have certified restaurants with Turkish, Uzbek and Arabic cuisine — from Chaihona No.1 on Arbat to establishments near Red Square.

Shopping: TSUM, GUM and Nevsky Prospect

Moscow and St. Petersburg are not only palaces, but also world-class luxury shopping:
• TSUM — Russia’s main luxury department store near the Bolshoi Theatre. All global brands from Alexander McQueen to Yves Saint Laurent, personal shopping and work with stylists. Buro restaurant on the rooftop attracts celebrities.
• GUM on Red Square — historic gallery since 1893. More than 100 boutiques under a glass dome with Kremlin views. Emotional «russian luxury experience» plus perfect photo locations.
• Nevsky Center and Passage in St. Petersburg — from international brands to intimate «aristocratic shopping» in historic galleries.
Private shopping sessions are available for Gulf guests: personal stylist, closed hall, beverages and complete privacy.

Family Vacation: Russia for Children

Russia’s luxury hotels are family-oriented: children’s pools, nanny services, special menu. In Moscow — Zaryadye Park near the Kremlin, Moscow Zoo and interactive museums. In St. Petersburg — boat rides along the canals, Peterhof («Russian Versailles») and the Hermitage, where children will be interested no less than adults.

Book Everything in a Few Clicks

Vizit Russia makes traveling to Russia simple: visa processing, booking luxury hotels and personalized tours — all in one service. Concierge support will help organize VIP transfers, private shopping and halal food even before departure. Discover Russia with the comfort you’re accustomed to at home.