KUWAIT CITY, March 6: Moscow holds a distinguished status as a premier global tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world, particularly from Kuwait; owing to its unique blend of ancient history and luxurious modern experiences. The city boasts of numerous iconic landmarks, including Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral -- all of which are of immense cultural and historical significance and attract considerable attention from Kuwaiti tourists. Moscow is also home to world-class museums and theaters, such as the Bolshoi Theatre and the Tretyakov Gallery, offering visitors unparalleled cultural experiences. In terms of modern tourism, Evgeny Kozlov, head of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, highlighted the city’s upscale shopping centers, such as GUM and TSUM, as key attractions for Kuwaiti tourists eager to shop for both global luxury brands and exclusive Russian labels. Kozlov said Moscow offers more than 22,000 dining options, including numerous restaurants serving halal cuisine to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

He explained that these factors have contributed significantly to the substantial growth in tourist arrivals from the Middle East. “In fact, the number of Kuwaiti visitors to Moscow in 2024 surged tenfold compared to 2019, with 98 percent of them traveling for tourism purposes,” he affirmed. He also emphasized that this remarkable increase in numbers underscores Moscow’s exceptional appeal as a tourist destination, particularly for those seeking high-end shopping, fine dining and halal hospitality. He added the city offers over 2,000 hotels, including luxury five-star accommodations, designed to provide Muslim travelers with the highest level of comfort and service. “Despite all the attractions Moscow has to offer, its modern infrastructure and high level of security stand out as the key factors that make it a preferred destination, setting it apart from other cities around the world,” he revealed. Kozlov also confirmed the city’s commitment to enhancing its appeal to Kuwaiti tourists. “We are pleased to offer our guests from the State of Kuwait convenient options like electronic visas. We are continually working to improve our tourism relations to ensure a positive experience for our visitors,” he said.

Direct flight
He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to expand direct fl ight options. “Currently, Jazeera Airways operates eight weekly flights between Kuwait and Moscow, with plans for future increases to accommodate growing demand,” he disclosed. He also noted the active coordination between Russian and Kuwaiti officials to introduce a mutual visa exemption, which will significantly ease travel between the two nations and result in a remarkable increase in the number of visitors. In 2024, to cater to the needs of tourists from Kuwait and the broader Middle Eastern region, Moscow introduced the ‘Moscow Guide for Muslim Tourists’. This comprehensive guide offers detailed recommendations on halal restaurants, mosques, prayer facilities, as well as hotels and leisure activities; allowing visitors to fully enjoy their stay while considering their unique cultural and religious needs. Moscow’s commitment to enhancing the tourism experience extends to fostering cultural exchange.

The city provides tourism services in multiple languages, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for international visitors. Kozlov also mentioned efforts to develop experiences that celebrate the culture of Kuwait, including hosting Kuwaiti artists, musicians and chefs in Moscow. “These initiatives aim to introduce the rich culture of Kuwait to Russian audiences and encourage them to explore the country,” he explained. In the spirit of cultural exchange, he pointed out several significant events held in Moscow like the ‘Kuwaiti Cultural Week’ in 2023 and 2024. This event featured art exhibitions by Kuwaiti artists, traditional performances, and discussions on Kuwaiti heritage. It also included screenings of Kuwaiti films, offering the Russian public a unique insight into Kuwaiti culture. Through these efforts, Moscow not only strengthens its position as a top tourist destination but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kuwaiti culture among Russian citizens. Kozlov emphasized the strategic importance of the steps being taken to strengthen tourism relations between Russia and Kuwait. He explained that achieving these successes relies on mutual investment in key sectors, such as tourism infrastructure, retail, and hospitality, between the two countries.