RT Arabic and Moscow authorities launch campaign for Middle Eastern visitors (PHOTOS) 

Multilingual guides and themed transport cards are set to make travel easier for Arabic-speaking tourists

RT Arabic and the Moscow Department of Transport have launched a new campaign to welcome Arabic-speaking tourists to the Russian capital. The project, titled ‘Marhaban, Moskva’ (‘Hello, Moscow!’), aims to make the city’s public transportation system more accessible for visitors from the Middle East and North Africa.

As part of the initiative, eye-catching posters have been placed at central bus and tram stops across the city. Featuring greetings in both Russian and Arabic, the banners blend cultural icons, including traditional Russian matryoshka dolls painted in Khokhloma style, a centuries-old decorative technique known for its vivid red, gold, and black floral patterns, alongside the iconic Arabic dallah, a symbol of Eastern hospitality.

The collaboration also provides Arabic-speaking visitors with an opportunity to scan a link on the posters to access a new “Hello, Moscow!” section on the RT Arabic website offering curated guides on how to navigate the city, recommended transport routes, and updates on events happening around town.

As part of the campaign, the Department of Transport has issued a special edition of Troika transport cards, which are reusable smart cards used for paying fares on Moscow’s public transit, featuring the same Russian-Arabic design.

“It’s great to hear Arabic on Moscow’s streets and see tourists enjoying the city,” said Maya Manna, head of RT Arabic. “We and the Transport Department share the goal of making Moscow accessible and welcoming.”

The initiative adds a multilingual touch to the city’s streets, just as Moscow prepares to host the Russia-Arab World summit on October 14–15, 2025.

“Moscow is a global tourist hub,” said Maxim Liksutov, deputy mayor for transport. “We’re working to make travel easier for all visitors, and this is our second collaboration with RT to support Arabic-speaking guests.”

The posters will remain in place through the end of the summer season, offering a friendly “Marhaban!” to all Arabic-speaking travelers exploring the Russian capital.