The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority participated in a high-level dialogue session entitled “Tourism Dialogue: UAE-Russia: Success Stories,” organized by the UAE Embassy in Moscow, as part of the “Let’s Travel” International Tourism Forum, within the framework of efforts to enhance dialogue and tourism cooperation between the UAE and the Russian Federation, and to consolidate partnerships that contribute to the development of travel between the two sides.

The session opened with a speech by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Russian Federation, followed by keynote speeches by His Excellency Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, and His Excellency Juma Al Kait, Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Tourism of the United Arab Emirates.

The session witnessed high-level participation from the UAE side, including the participation of His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, along with a group of officials and experts in the tourism sector, including Mr. Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Director of the Tourism Development Department at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Ms. Hoor Al Khaja from the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, and representatives from Emirates and Etihad Airways.

The session highlighted the prospects for tourism cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Russia, and discussed ways to enhance partnerships between the public and private sectors, the need to utilize Russian digital platforms in tourism promotion, developing travel and tourism sectors and air connectivity between the two countries and improving the traveler experience, in addition to reviewing opportunities to achieve sustainable tourism growth and diversification of Emirati tourist destinations and experiences and enhancing their presence in the Russian market.

In this context, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Jaber affirmed that the UAE's participation in the forum reflects its ongoing commitment to strengthening international tourism cooperation and supporting the sector's sustainable growth. He noted that the session represents an important platform for exchanging successful experiences, innovative ideas, and future visions among tourism authorities, experts, and private sector leaders from both countries. He added that showcasing Emirati success stories and development initiatives contributes to deepening UAE-Russia partnerships and opening new horizons for investment and joint cooperation. He emphasized that tourism remains a vital bridge connecting cultures, economies, and peoples, and that specialized events such as the "Let's Travel" forum play a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral relations between the UAE and the Russian Federation and shaping the future of global tourism.

During the dialogue session, His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, reviewed the most prominent prospects for tourism cooperation between the Emirate of Sharjah and the Russian market, stressing the Emirate’s keenness to strengthen its partnerships with the tourism sector in Russia, and to develop sustainable communication bridges that contribute to expanding the movement of tourism exchange, reflecting the growing position that the Emirate of Sharjah enjoys on the regional and international tourism map.

His Excellency stated, “We are delighted to participate as part of the UAE delegation, representing the tourism sector in the Emirate of Sharjah, in this initiative organized by the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Moscow. This initiative serves as an important platform for dialogue and the exchange of expertise among various stakeholders in the tourism sector, bringing together a select group of experts, decision-makers, and representatives from tourism markets in both the UAE and Russia. This participation underscores the Emirate of Sharjah’s commitment to building deeper and more sustainable strategic partnerships with its international partners, foremost among them Russia, which is one of the most important source markets for tourists to the Emirate. Tourism indicators confirm the continued strong performance of the Russian market, with the number of Russian hotel guests in Sharjah expected to exceed 346,000 in 2025, compared to approximately 280,000 in 2024, representing a growth of 24%. The Russian market also maintained its 17% share of total international hotel guests in the Emirate of Sharjah, reflecting the success of ongoing promotional efforts and the development of connectivity.” The air, and the strength of tourism cooperation between the two sides, in addition to the diversity of the tourism product offered by the Emirate of Sharjah and the exceptional cultural, heritage and natural experiences it provides that meet the aspirations of different categories and interests of visitors and tourists throughout the year.”

Al Madfa noted that the Emirate of Sharjah continues to strengthen its presence in the Russian market, given the growing interest among Russian visitors in the emirate's integrated tourism experience that combines culture, heritage, nature, and quality of life. He emphasized that participation in the forum presents an opportunity to showcase Sharjah's diverse tourism offerings, including its heritage and cultural landmarks, high-quality events, and varied accommodation options, alongside the ongoing development of its hospitality sector and tourism infrastructure, thus reinforcing its position as an attractive destination for visitors year-round. The session also highlighted the emirate's efforts to enhance its readiness to welcome visitors from Russia and to develop tourism products tailored to this growing market. This reflects the depth of bilateral relations between the United Arab Emirates in general, and the Emirate of Sharjah in particular, and the Russian Federation, paving the way for further growth in reciprocal tourism flows.

The diversity of tourism products and attractions in the Emirate of Sharjah

On the sidelines of this dialogue session, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority presented an overview of the tourism destination in the Emirate of Sharjah, reviewing the Emirate’s tourism performance and highlighting key tourism statistics and indicators, with a focus on the continuous growth in the number of visitors and hotel guests coming from Russia over the past four years, reflecting a consistently positive trajectory for this market.

The presentation covered key aspects of the Emirate of Sharjah as a comprehensive tourist and cultural destination, highlighting its regional and international recognition and achievements. It also emphasized Sharjah's strategic location and diverse natural landscape along the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The presentation further showcased the Emirate's rich cultural and heritage assets, including its extensive network of museums, cultural institutions, family-friendly attractions, and entertainment venues. It also highlighted the natural and environmental resources and nature reserves scattered throughout the Emirate, as well as its luxurious hotels and resorts, each with its own unique character. The presentation also reviewed the most important annual events and festivals that enrich the Emirate's calendar and attract visitors from around the world. Finally, it emphasized a number of the Authority's prominent strategic partnerships, including the innovative and interactive smart tourism experience through Yango Maps. This first-of-its-kind addition introduces users of the application to the Emirate of Sharjah, its most prominent landmarks, destinations, and tourist attractions, along with other tourist information available in Russian.

The participant emphasized that the Emirate of Sharjah possesses a distinctive set of features that meet the aspirations of various visitor segments, especially families and tourists seeking integrated experiences that combine relaxation, culture, entertainment, nature, shopping, adventures, and quality activities.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s participation in this initiative comes within its strategy aimed at enhancing the presence of the Emirate of Sharjah in key international markets, especially the Russian market, by highlighting the competitive advantages that the Emirate enjoys, and confirming its position as a leading tourist, cultural and family destination in the region with diverse experiences, services and facilities that make the journey of its visitors exceptional.

The Authority is also keen to continue working with various partners in the public and private sectors in the Emirate to develop promotional programs, events and quality initiatives that contribute to attracting more visitors from Russia to the Emirate of Sharjah, and to enhance the Emirate of Sharjah as a preferred choice for travelers looking for a rich, safe and diverse tourist experience throughout the year.

-I finish-

#Company Data

Disclaimer regarding the content of press releases
The content of this press release is provided by a third-party provider. We do not assume any responsibility for, nor do we have any control over, such content. This content is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis and is not edited in any way. Neither we, nor our affiliates, will be liable for the accuracy, endorsement, or completeness of any opinions, views, information, or materials contained in this content.
This press release is provided for informational purposes only; the content does not constitute legal, investment, or tax advice, nor does it offer any opinion on the suitability, value, or profitability of any particular portfolio or investment strategy. Neither we nor our affiliates will be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions you take based on that content. You expressly agree and acknowledge full responsibility for your use of the information contained in this press release.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, Refinitiv, its parent company, subsidiaries, affiliates, relevant shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers, and licensors (collectively, the 'Refinitiv Parties') shall not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive, or exemplary damages; This includes, but is not limited to, losses of profits, savings, or revenues, whether due to negligence, tort, contract, or other theories of liability, even if the parties to Refinitiv were advised of the possibility of any such damages or losses occurring or actually anticipated them.