The Doorway to Abu Dhabi Festival has attracted more than 580,000 visitors at Moscow’s Manezhnaya Square, bringing Emirati culture and traditions to one of the Russian capital’s busiest public spaces.
Presented by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi as part of the Summer in Moscow programme, the free festival offered visitors a broad introduction to Abu Dhabi through food, crafts, music, performance, and immersive experiences. The event was supported by the Government of Moscow and the Embassy of the UAE in the Russian Federation.
Rather than focusing on a single aspect of Emirati culture, the festival brought several traditions together. Visitors could watch gahwa roasting and serving, explore traditional handicrafts, and sample Emirati food, while performances and interactive activities provided a more direct connection to the UAE’s cultural heritage.
Abu Dhabi heritage in the heart of Moscow
A large domed pavilion formed one of the centrepieces of the festival. Inside, 360-degree projections transported visitors through Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, landscapes, and attractions, creating an immersive introduction to the emirate without leaving Manezhnaya Square.
The programme also featured Emirati musicians and traditional performances, including Al-Ayyala and Al Harbiya. Emirati singer and composer Fayez Al Saeed was among the performers appearing during the festival.
Craft demonstrations gave visitors an opportunity to see traditional skills up close. Sessions focused on talli, the intricate embroidery technique, as well as khoos palm-leaf weaving, sadu weaving, and pottery. Bait Al Gahwa also introduced visitors to the customs surrounding Emirati coffee.
Maritime traditions formed another part of the programme, alongside henna art and other hands-on activities.
Food provided another route into Emirati culture. Visitors were introduced to dishes including arseea and madrouba, while the dessert selection included dango, luqaimat, ranjeena, and Emirati dates.
Continuing cultural exchange between Moscow and Abu Dhabi
The scale of the 2026 festival builds on an established cultural relationship between Moscow and Abu Dhabi. In 2024, UAE Culture Days at Manezhnaya Square attracted more than 300,000 residents and visitors during its five-day programme.
Tourism connections between the UAE and Russia have also continued to develop. In 2025, Moscow recorded more than 167,000 visitors from GCC countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain. The Moscow City Tourism Committee has continued to work with the region through destination campaigns, business missions, industry partnerships, and cultural initiatives.
Against that backdrop, the Doorway to Abu Dhabi Festival provided another public-facing platform for cultural exchange. Its programme combined traditional practices with contemporary presentation, allowing visitors to encounter aspects of Abu Dhabi’s identity through both established customs and immersive technology.
The event also positioned culture as part of the wider relationship between the two destinations. By bringing Emirati cuisine, craftsmanship, music, and heritage to a central Moscow setting, the festival offered residents and visitors a direct introduction to the traditions and hospitality of Abu Dhabi.
The attendance figure of more than 580,000 reflects the scale of public engagement with the festival and adds another chapter to the ongoing cultural exchange between Moscow and Abu Dhabi.
