The President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, welcomed the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, for high-level discussions on economic and cultural cooperation.

The meeting underscored the deepening ties between the two nations, with a strong emphasis on tourism as a key area of mutual growth. This is reported by the
official website of the Russian Government.

During the discussions, Manturov highlighted the increasing number of Russian visitors to the UAE, which reached nearly 2 million in the past year. The UAE remains one of the most popular destinations for Russian traveller.

Likewise, interest in Russia among UAE nationals has grown, with more than 67,000 Emirati tourists visiting in 2024, drawn by the country’s rich cultural heritage, winter sports destinations, and historical landmarks, as reported by the source.

The expansion of direct flights has significantly contributed to this surge in tourism. Currently, over 300 weekly flights operate between cities in both countries, marking a 50 per cent increase compared to six months ago. The growing flight network now includes 25 direct routes, enhancing connectivity and facilitating seamless travel for both business and leisure visitors.

Discussions also touched on expanding academic and cultural partnerships, including plans to establish a Russian university in Abu Dhabi, fostering deeper educational ties and attracting more students from both countries.

As tourism continues to flourish, both nations are poised to benefit from enhanced connectivity, diversified travel offerings, and a broader exchange of cultural and educational experiences.

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