Russian Federation

Russia is a country of vast expanses and amazing contrasts, stretching across two continents from the Baltic Sea in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east. This destination attracts travellers with its rich cultural heritage, diverse natural landscapes, and a unique atmosphere where history meets modernity. Each region of Russia is unique, offering visitors the chance to discover something new, whether it be majestic cities or pristine nature.

The heart of the country is its capital, Moscow, a dynamic metropolis where ancient Kremlin walls stand alongside modern skyscrapers. In major cities like Moscow, visitors will find a wide array of halal-certified restaurants and dedicated prayer facilities in airports and shopping centres. Russia is famous for its deep history, reflected in numerous architectural monuments, world-class museums, and literary masterpieces. From the imperial splendour of Saint Petersburg to the unique historical and architectural complex of the Kazan Kremlin—which is home to the magnificent Kul Sharif Mosque—the country offers endless opportunities for cultural enrichment. Visitors to religious sites are advised to dress modestly.

Russia's natural diversity is astounding, from the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, a region with deep-rooted Islamic traditions, to the vast Siberian forests, the picturesque shores of the Black Sea, and the unique Lake Baikal. The climate varies from arctic in the north to subtropical in the south, making it possible to find an ideal holiday destination at any time of year. A trip to Russia is always a journey of discovery, full of vivid impressions and unforgettable moments, offering a chance to connect with a centuries-old culture and enjoy the warm hospitality of its people.

The national currency of Russia is the Russian rouble (international code: RUB). Banknotes in various denominations, such as 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 roubles, are in circulation, as well as coins. Modern banknotes feature landmarks from various Russian cities and regions. For example, the 2,000-rouble note depicts the Vostochny Cosmodrome and the bridge to Russky Island, while the 5,000-rouble note shows iconic sites of Khabarovsk.

You can exchange foreign currency for roubles at banks or official exchange offices, where a passport is usually required for the transaction. For travellers from the UAE, it is advisable to carry major currencies like US Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR) to ensure a smoother exchange process, though UAE Dirhams (AED) may be accepted at some larger exchange points in major cities. It is best to avoid exchanging money with private individuals or at unofficial locations. Please note: International bank cards such as Visa and Mastercard issued outside of Russia are not accepted in the country. Therefore, foreign tourists should rely primarily on cash roubles for all payments. While Russia has its own national payment system, 'Mir', for international visitors cash remains the main method of payment. It is highly recommended to carry a sufficient amount of cash to cover all your expenses during the trip, including shopping, dining, transport, and sightseeing.

Good news for Emirati travellers: citizens of the United Arab Emirates holding a UAE passport can enter Russia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days. This visa-free access makes travelling for tourism or business much simpler compared to the requirements for many other foreign nationals, such as those from the EU and the US, who typically need to secure a visa in advance. However, residents of the UAE who hold other passports may still need to apply for a visa, depending on their nationality.

For visa-free entry, UAE citizens will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining after the planned departure date from Russia. Upon arrival, you will also be required to fill out an immigration card. While a visa is not needed, it is always wise to carry copies of your return tickets and hotel booking confirmations. As visa and entry rules can change, it is strongly recommended to check the most current information on the official website of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the UAE before your trip.

Russia is a country with a vast territory, spanning 11 time zones, from UTC+2 to UTC+12. This large number of time zones is due to the country's significant extent from west to east. For context, the UAE operates on a single time zone, Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4). Each region in Russia operates on its own local time.

When planning a trip across Russia, especially if it involves travelling between distant regions, for example, from Moscow to Vladivostok, it is critically important to consider the time difference. This will help you to plan your itinerary correctly, avoid missing transport, and adapt to the change in time zones. Always confirm the local time at your destination.

There are several ways to get to Russia, with the best option for you depending on your location, budget, and preferences. For travellers from the UAE, the most popular and fastest method is by air. Russia has numerous international airports, with the largest and most well-connected being in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. These cities are major hubs, receiving direct and connecting flights from across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

Direct flights to Moscow are available from the UAE with carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai, making the journey convenient and straightforward. Many major airports in Russia, including Moscow's Domodedovo and Vnukovo, offer prayer rooms for Muslim travellers. Halal food options are also increasingly available in major cities like Moscow, with a variety of restaurants serving everything from Middle Eastern to local Caucasian cuisines.

When planning your trip, especially during peak tourist seasons like the summer months or New Year holidays, it is advisable to book your tickets well in advance. This will not only help you secure a better price but also guarantee availability on your preferred flights. It is also important to check the visa requirements for your nationality ahead of time; however, UAE citizens can travel to Russia without a visa.

For your reference, here is a summary of the main airports:

Russia is a country of vast spaces and incredible diversity, offering travellers both megacities rich in history and culture, and picturesque resort areas. The undeniable centre of attraction is the capital, Moscow, a city where ancient Kremlin walls stand alongside modern skyscrapers, and cultural life buzzes around the clock. There is something for everyone here, from world-famous museums and theatres to lively parks and a growing number of halal-friendly restaurants.

No less captivating is Saint Petersburg, Russia's cultural capital, famous for its magnificent palaces, canals, and the magical White Nights. For those dreaming of a seaside holiday, the Black Sea coast resorts, such as Sochi, offer a warm welcome with not only beaches but also stunning mountain scenery. Anapa is another popular choice, particularly well-suited for family holidays. For a unique atmosphere with an Eastern flavour, you should visit Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan. It is a city that showcases a peaceful blend of Islamic and Christian cultures, with its impressive Kremlin housing the magnificent Qol Sharif Mosque. Each of these cities and resorts is unique and ready to offer unforgettable experiences.

Russia is a country with a rich history and culture, offering travellers an incredible variety of experiences. Among its iconic sites is the Red Square in Moscow. It is the heart of not only the capital but the entire country, home to world-famous symbols such as St. Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, and the GUM department store. A walk along the cobblestones of this square allows you to connect with Russia's centuries-old history.

Equally famous and magnificent is Peterhof, located near St. Petersburg. This palace and park complex, often called the "Russian Versailles," is amazing for its luxurious palaces, gilded statues, and, of course, its world-renowned fountains. The Grand Cascade is particularly impressive, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

In the heart of Tatarstan lies the Kazan Kremlin—a unique historical and architectural complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, Orthodox churches like the Annunciation Cathedral coexist harmoniously with Muslim holy sites, including the famous Kul Sharif Mosque. This place is a symbol of the peaceful coexistence of different cultures and religions. The stunning turquoise-domed mosque was rebuilt in 2005 and serves as the main mosque for the Republic of Tatarstan. It features a museum of Islamic culture and provides dedicated prayer areas for men and women. When visiting, a modest dress code is required; headscarves and capes are offered free of charge at the entrance to cover bare shoulders and legs. Numerous halal-certified restaurants can be found in the streets surrounding the Kremlin, offering a taste of local Tatar cuisine.

For lovers of nature and active holidays, a visit to Sochi National Park is a must. It is a vast area with unique subtropical landscapes, mountain peaks, ancient forests, and picturesque waterfalls and canyons. The park offers many family-friendly hiking trails of varying difficulty, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the Caucasian scenery through activities like hiking and picnicking.

Russia is a country with a vast territory, so choosing the best time to travel largely depends on your plans and the specific region. Traditionally, the high season is during the summer, from June to August. During this period, most regions, including Moscow and St Petersburg, enjoy warm, often sunny weather, which is a perfect and refreshing escape from the UAE heat. It is an ideal time for sightseeing, leisurely walks, and open-air festivals. However, this is also the busiest period for tourism, resulting in higher prices for accommodation and flights. For those who love winter sports or dream of seeing a true Russian winter with snow and frost, the period from December to February can also be a high season, especially in ski resorts or cities with extensive New Year celebration programmes.

The shoulder seasons, which include spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), attract travellers with fewer crowds and more affordable prices. The weather during these times can be variable, ranging from pleasantly warm days to cool and rainy ones. In spring, nature comes to life, while autumn delights with the rich colours of the "Golden Autumn," which is particularly beautiful in central Russia and the Urals, for example, in the vicinity of Yekaterinburg. One of the iconic events that draws tourists to St Petersburg in early summer is the famous "White Nights," when the sun barely sets. In late winter and early spring, Maslenitsa is widely celebrated across the country, offering a unique cultural experience.

Given the climatic diversity, from the subtropics of Sochi to the Arctic latitudes, it is highly recommended to check the weather conditions for your chosen region before your trip. For instance, the beach season on the Black Sea coast, in cities like Anapa or Gelendzhik, lasts from May to September-October. Meanwhile, the best time to witness the Northern Lights on the Kola Peninsula is from September to March. A trip to Kaliningrad or Vladivostok is comfortable from late spring to early autumn, but for the latter, it is worth considering the specifics of its monsoon climate. A visit to Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, is especially recommended. As a region with a large Muslim population, it offers a welcoming environment for visitors from the UAE, featuring a beautiful blend of cultures. The city is home to the magnificent Kul Sharif Mosque and offers numerous halal dining options, making it a comfortable and culturally rich destination.

When planning a trip to Russia, it is useful to become acquainted with some local cultural customs to ensure your interactions with residents are as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Upon meeting, Russians typically exchange a firm handshake, especially between men, and direct eye contact is important as it symbolises openness and sincerity. When interacting with men and women, it is customary for men to wait for a woman to offer her hand first. It is polite to address strangers and older people with the formal 'you' (Vy). Hospitality is a key feature of Russian culture. If you are invited to someone's home, it is a great honour, and it is customary to bring a small gift for the hosts – this could be flowers (always an odd number!), a box of chocolates, or something symbolic. Be prepared for a generous spread of food, as refusing it may be seen as impolite. While many hosts may not be familiar with halal requirements, major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg have a growing number of halal-certified restaurants and shops.

In daily life, there are no strict dress codes. However, when visiting Orthodox churches and monasteries, it is important to show respect: women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf and wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees, while men should not wear hats and should also be in modest clothing (not shorts or tank tops). At the dinner table, there are few complex rules, but Russian meals are often accompanied by toasts. It is considered impolite to whistle indoors (a superstition says it leads to financial loss) and it is customary to remove your outdoor shoes when entering a home. A smile at a stranger on the street is less common here than in some other cultures, but this is not a sign of unfriendliness; rather, it is a cultural trait where a smile is seen as a sincere expression of emotion reserved for people you know.

Among the many holidays in Russia, two stand out in particular. New Year (the night of 31st December to 1st January) is perhaps the most beloved and important family holiday, celebrated with a decorated fir tree, gifts, a lavish feast, and a belief in miracles. Another deeply revered and significant holiday is Victory Day (9th May), which is celebrated on a grand scale with military parades and tributes to veterans, and is a vital part of the national identity and memory.

Russia offers an incredible variety of entertainment to suit every taste. Fans of active holidays will find a wealth of opportunities here: from hiking along the picturesque mountain trails of the Ural, Caucasus or Altai regions to thrilling skiing and snowboarding at numerous resorts. In the summer, water sports on lakes and seas are popular, including diving and surfing on the Black Sea coast. For those who prefer a more tranquil holiday in nature, fishing, horse riding and river rafting are all available.

The cultural life in Russia is rich and multifaceted. The country is famous for its theatres, where you can enjoy world-class ballet, opera and dramatic performances, especially in cultural centres such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Numerous museums and art galleries house priceless collections of art and historical artefacts. In the evening, major cities come alive with a vibrant nightlife scene in elegant lounges, stylish cafés and fine-dining restaurants that offer entertainment until the early hours. Many establishments offer halal menus, particularly in cities like Moscow and Kazan which have significant Muslim populations. The evening atmospheres in Moscow, Saint Petersburg and the resort city of Sochi are especially renowned.

Shopping in Russia is an opportunity to purchase not only modern goods in large shopping centres, many of which provide prayer facilities, but also unique souvenirs. Traditional Russian gifts include matryoshka dolls, items with Khokhloma and Gzhel painting, Palekh boxes, Orenburg downy shawls and amber jewellery. There are also many options for a family holiday: from visiting zoos, aquariums and circuses to amusement parks and children's theatres, which can be found in many large cities. Some resort areas, for example in Sochi or Kazan, offer modern water parks and themed entertainment complexes for children of all ages.

Planning a trip? That's wonderful! To ensure the financial aspects of your journey don't come as a surprise, it's important to remember that currency exchange rates are constantly changing. Therefore, we strongly advise you to monitor the latest rates both before you fly and throughout your trip. For this, you can use the data provided below—we monitor currency rates 24/7 and strive to provide the most up-to-date information.