Russians are flocking to Abu Dhabi in search of high quality, luxury experiences at hotels or with renowned world brands.

Abu Dhabi is experiencing a surge in popularity among Russian long-haul travellers, according to recent data from global travel intelligence platform, Mabrian.

The UAE capital is witnessing a significant increase in seat availability for the second half of 2024, positioning it as a top choice for Russian visitors to the Middle East.

The Association of Tour Operators of Russia (ATOR) reports a 14% rise in Russian outbound travel during the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

This growth is largely attributed to long-haul destinations, with the United Arab Emirates at the forefront.

SB Borders Service data reveals that nearly a million Russian travellers visited the UAE, marking an 11% increase from 2023 and securing its position as the second most visited country by Russians.

When is comes to accommodation, Russian travellers are showing a strong preference for luxury accommodations in Abu Dhabi.

Mabrian’s data reveals that 28.9% of Russian visitors opt for 4-star hotels, while 42.7% choose 5-star establishments, mainly in the most coveted areas of the city, such as Corniche and its West end, Al Ras Al Akhdar; as well as Al Reem Island and Khalifa City.

This preference for 5-star hotels is 6.5 percentage points higher than the average for other travellers in Abu Dhabi.

Moreover, 90% of Russians visiting Abu Dhabi select hotel accommodations, with nearly one in four choosing resorts.

The average length of stay for Russian travellers has increased from 2.9 days in 2023 to 3.4 days in 2024, representing a 57% rise compared to the same period in 2023.

As Abu Dhabi continues to attract Russian long-haul travellers, the city’s tourism sector stands to benefit from increased visitor numbers, longer stays, and higher spending, presenting opportunities for targeted marketing and strategic investment in this growing market.

by Olivia Palamountain | GLOBETRENDER