United Arab Emirates have enjoyed an increased growth of Russian visitors in the first quarter of 2017 especially after the visa free entrance for Russian citizens in February.
However, summer season sales and demand have been flat. Ramadan restrictions and opening of Turkey are some of the factors that affected this trend.
Average stay in summer season is 6-7 nights compared to 9-10 nights in winter season.
Last minute bookings are observed, averaging 7-10 days prior to departure date for the summer season.
An increase of stopovers has been reported by many tour operators since implementing the visa free regime. Tour Operators were not ready for this new trend and are now working on programs to satisfy this market segment in the upcoming winter season.
Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Sharjah are among the most popular Emirates in the summer season mainly due to its all inclusive offerings as well as quality-price value.
Charter flight programs operated until May and only regular flights are operating over the summer season 2017 with a total of 49 flights a week from Russia (it is important to take into consideration the high number of transit passengers).
Below summer flight programs from Moscow (and other Russian cities as indicated):
Etihad Airways: daily flights, 7 flights a week
Fly Dubai: 12 flights a week from 5 Russian cities
Emirates Airlines from Moscow: 2 flights a day. 14 flights a week
Emirates Airlines from St Petersburg: 5 flights a week
Air Arabia: 4 flights a week
Aeroflot: daily flights, 7 flights a week
Source: АТОР and Onlink Services
