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Welcome to the Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2024. The prestigious annual Awards, now in its 23rd edition, will celebrate the very best across categories spanning airlines, airports and hotels.

A robust public voting system ensures the authenticity and honesty of the Awards, which in turn elevates its stature among its peers.

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 6 May in Dubai at the Ritz Carlton DIFC. The event will recognise the companies that facilitated business travel and services over the past 12 months, as well as top-level industry executives who are shaping the future of the industry.

Hear from the winners themselves

Winning a Business Traveller Middle East Award, which we were lucky to do for 21 consecutive years since 2002, reflects the effort and commitment of everyone at Dubai Duty Free. As an industry benchmark for excellence, the BTME Awards are a celebration of the region’s best, and being shortlisted for and potentially winning this award provides businesses with recognition and validation. It is also a great way to boost employee morale and show that their hard work and dedication have paid off.

– Colm McLoughlin , Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free

Industry awards are an important platform for brands to be recognised and celebrated. We were thrilled to be awarded with the ‘Airline with the Best Cabin Crew’ and ‘Airline with the Best First Class’ at the Business Traveller Middle East Awards in 2022. We appreciate the opportunity to be nominated for – and win – such awards that in turn showcase our achievements to a wider audience and builds trust within our community.

– Turky Al Hammadi , Head of Product and Hospitality at Etihad Airways

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Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2024: Shortlist revealed

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Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2023: Here are all the winners

Business traveller middle east awards 2023: shortlist revealed, business traveller middle east awards 2023: public voting opens.

Revealed: Winners of the 2022 Business Traveller Middle East Awards

Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2021 winners revealed

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The Business Traveller global series has had a design refresh, providing readers with sharper photography and more in-depth news, comment and feature articles. Business Traveller Middle East magazine contains more lifestyle content too as executives look for leisure options away from work and greater work life balance. Across the region, travel and hospitality remain pivotal to economic growth and the magazine provides readers with the latest news in the fast-changing airline and hotel industries.

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Business Traveller (10 issues)

Business Traveller Middle East is the market-leading publication for frequent flyers and corporate travellers in the MENA region. It is part of a global network of brands that are present in 14 countries and regions including the UK, US, France, China and Africa. Published 10 times a year, the magazine has emerged as a must-read for individuals who require regular information, latest news and trends in the travel sector.

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About Middle East Traveller

Middle East Traveller is the region’s leading guide to luxury travel , curated specifically for discerning explorers from the Gulf region and beyond.

Founded on a simple yet powerful belief – that travel should revolve around extraordinary experiences – Middle East Traveller began its journey with a focus on destinations nestled in the heart of the Gulf, including the UAE , Saudi Arabia , Bahrain , Kuwait, Oman and Qatar . Today, we proudly remain a trusted travel companion for those wishing to embark on an unforgettable journey within these regions.

>> Looking to get in touch with our editorial team? Click here to contact us

Get all our latest news , reviews and features by following Middle East Traveller on Facebook , Twitter , LinkedIn , Instagram and TikTok . We also have a destination-focused newsletter , bringing a monthly global narrative direct to your inbox –  click here to subscribe.

Our focus destinations

• Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Manama, Bahrain
• Muscat, Oman
• Kuwait City, Kuwait
• Doha, Qatar
• Phuket, Thailand
• Bali, Indonesia
• New York, USA
• Rome, Italy
• Paris, France
• Istanbul, Turkey
• Beirut, Lebanon
• The Maldives
• Tbilisi, Georgia
• Cairo, Egypt
• Amman, Jordan

But our explorations are not confined within the borders of the Middle East . Our readers crave new experiences and cultures , so our horizons cover destinations within an eight-hour flight of the region.

From the sandy beaches of Phuket in Thailand and the serene beauty of Bali, to the cosmopolitan charm of London , the rustic allure of Rome , the cultural heritage of Istanbul – we bring you the best of the best.

Travel is about more than just visiting a place

At Middle East Traveller, we understand that travel is about more than just visiting a place. It’s about experiencing the finest hotels , indulging in gastronomical delights , and enjoying unique activities that enrich your journey.

Therefore, we cover a wide variety of luxurious hotels, delectable restaurants , serene spas , captivating sights, and memorable experiences to make your travels more fulfilling .

We also know that our readers expect not just information but inspiration . Our team of experienced travel journalists and local experts provide engaging content, practical tips, and expert reviews .

Whether you are planning a family vacation, a business trip, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, we ensure you are well-equipped with the knowledge to make the most out of your trave l.

Welcome to Middle East Traveller – your passport to luxury travel.

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Moscow International Business Center (Moscow City)

• Guide to Russia

What can you do at Moscow City?

• Dine in style: Moscow City is home to 100+ cafes and restaurants, including Europe’s highest restaurant and ice-cream shop
• See Moscow like never before: Ascend to one of Moscow City’s observation decks for an unparalleled panorama of Moscow
• Admire world-class architecture: Each of Moscow City’s skyscrapers has distinctive architecture and design
• Learn something new: Visit the Museum of High-Rise Architecture in Moscow or the Metro Museum

Moscow City is a multifunctional complex in the west of Moscow, which has come to represent the booming business of Russia’s capital. Its skyscrapers enrich Moscow’s skyline, contrasting the medieval cupolas and Stalinist high-rises. Visitors to Moscow City can enjoy entertainment high in the sky, as the complex is home not just to offices, but to restaurants, cinemas, viewing platforms, and museums.

Photo by Alex Zarubi on Unsplash

History of Moscow City

Moscow City was first conceived in 1991 by honoured Soviet architect Boris Tkhor, who proposed to construct a business center in Moscow. It would be complete with gleaming skyscrapers rivalling those of New York and London, to reflect the new life and growing ambitions of post-Soviet Russia.

The chosen site was a stone quarry and disused industrial zone in western Moscow, in between the Third Ring Road and Moskva River. Initially, the territory was divided into 20 sections arranged in a horseshoe shape around a central zone. The skyscrapers would increase in height as they spiralled around the central section, with shorter structures built on the waterfront to give the taller buildings behind a view of the river. 

Architect Gennady Sirota, who contributed to iconic projects such as the Olympic Sports Complex on Prospekt Mira, was selected as the chief architect, and many other world-famous architects were attracted to Moscow to realise their visions in Moscow City.

What can you see and do at Moscow City?

Where Moscow’s cityscape was once dominated by Stalin’s Seven Sisters skyscrapers , this is no more. Moscow City is home to eight of Russia’s ten tallest buildings, six of which exceed 300 metres in height. More buildings are still under construction there today, including the One Tower (which will be Europe’s second-tallest building). Once completed, Moscow City will comprise more than 20 innovative structures.

Each of Moscow City’s skyscrapers was designed by its own architect, lending the cluster of skyscrapers a unique appearance. Aside from being a site of architectural wonder, Moscow City is a place for leisure and entertainment with over 100 cafes and restaurants, exhibition spaces, cinemas, viewing platforms, and more.

Photo by Nikita Karimov on Unsplash

Federation Tower

• East Tower: 374m, 97 floors; West Tower: 243m, 63 floors
• Completed in 2017
• Architects: Sergey Tchoban and Peter Schweger

The East Federation Tower is the tallest building in Moscow, and the second-tallest building in Europe after the Lakhta Centre in St Petersburg. Visitors can enjoy a luxurious meal of seafood, truffles or steak at restaurant ‘Sixty’ on the 62nd floor of the West Tower, or visit Europe’s highest observation deck, ‘Panorama 360’, on the 89th floor of the East Tower.

Did you know? The ice cream and chocolate shop on the 360 observation deck are the highest in the world!

• South Tower: 354m, 85 floors; North Tower: 254m, 49 floors
• Completed in 2015
• Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP

The South OKO Tower is the third-tallest building in Russia and Europe. Here, you can visit ‘Ruski’ to dine on hearty Russian cuisine cooked on a real Russian stove, and have a drink in the ice bar. Alternatively, visit restaurant, nightclub and performance space ‘Birds’; the restaurant is the highest in Europe, situated on the 86th floor roof terrace alongside an observation deck. The OKO Towers are also home to karaoke club ‘City Voice’.

Did you know? Underneath OKO Towers is the largest underground parking in Europe, with 16 levels and 3,400 parking spaces.

Mercury Tower

• 339m tall, 75 floors
• Architects : Mikhail Posokhin, Frank Williams, Gennady Sirota

Another multifunctional skyscraper, which was designed as the first truly ‘green’ building in Moscow. The Mercury Tower has a distinct geometric shape and copper-coloured glazing, and was the tallest building in Europe upon completion. Visit ‘More i myaso’ (Sea and meat) on the first floor of the tower to enjoy European and Mediterranean cuisine whilst surrounded by greenery. On the 2nd and 40th floors a modern art gallery, the ‘ILONA-K artspace’, has just opened.

City of Capitals

• Moscow Tower: 302m, 76 floors; St Petersburg Tower: 257m, 65 floors
• Completed in 2009
• Architect: Bureau NBBJ

The unique geometric design of the City of Capitals towers resembles stacks of rotating blocks, and is rooted in Constructivism of the early Soviet period (many Soviet Constructivist buildings can be found in Moscow). Visitors to the Moscow Tower can enjoy a range of cuisines – traditional Italian dishes on the summer terrace of ‘Tutto Bene’, Panasian cuisine in the tropical luxury of the ‘Bamboo Bar’ on the 1st floor’, and poke or smoothie bowls at ‘Soul in the Bowl’ cafe on the 80th floor.

Tower on the Embankment

• Tower A: 84m; Tower B:127m; Tower C: 268m, 61 floors
• Completed in 2007
• Architects: Vehbi Inan and Olcay Erturk

After completion, the Tower on the Embankment was the tallest building in Europe, and is now the 13th tallest. It houses the headquarters of several large Russian and international  companies, including IBM and KPMG. There are two cafes located on the 1st floor of Tower C – self-service café ‘Obed Bufet’ (Lunch Buffet) and Bakery Chain ‘Khleb Nasushchny’ (Daily Bread).

Evolution Tower

• 255m tall, 54 floors
• Architects: Philip Nikandrov and RMJM Scotland Ltd

Evolution is Moscow City’s most recognisable tower, and the 11th tallest building in Russia. Its façade is a true architectural marvel, comprising continuous strips of curved glazing spiralling high into  the sky. According to the architect, Philip Nikandrov, the spiral shape of the tower honours centuries of architectural design in Russia, from the onion domes of St Basil's Cathedral to Vladimir Shukhov’s Tatlin Tower, a masterpiece of Constructivist design. Outside the Evolution tower is a landscaped terrace and pedestrian zone descending to the Presnenskaya Embankment, which was also designed by Nikandrov.

Did you know? Moscow’s largest wedding palace was supposed to be built on the site of the Evolution tower, though the project was abandoned.

• 239m tall, 60 floors
• Completed in 2011

Imperia’s interesting design has a curved roof and an arched glass façade. Inside the tower are various cafes including ‘City Friends’ for all-day breakfasts and light lunches, ‘Mama in the City’ for simple meals of Russian cuisine, and ‘abc kitchen’ for European and Indian-inspired dishes. Alternatively, visit ‘High Bar’ on the 56th floor for cocktails with a view. In Imperia you’ll also find the Museum of High-Rise Construction in Moscow (suitably located on the 56th floor), and the Camera Immersive Theatre.

Did you know? Inside Vystavochnaya metro station is the Metro Museum , dedicated to the history of the beautiful Moscow Metro!

• 130m tall, 26 floors
• Completed in 2001
• Architect: Boris Tkhor

Tower 2000 was Moscow City’s first tower. It stands on the opposite bank of the Moskva River, and houses a viewing platform from which visitors can admire an unparalleled panorama of Moscow City. The Bagration Bridge reaches across the river from the tower to Moscow City, and underneath are piers from where you can take boat trips.

Photo by Alexander Popov on Unsplash

Afimall is Moscow’s largest entertainment and shopping complex, home to 450 shops, cafes and restaurants, a cinema, and a virtual-reality game park. The shopping centre is located in the central section of Moscow City, and a cinema and concert hall are currently under construction there.

What’s nearby?

Sechenov Botanical Gardens: The botanical gardens of the First Moscow State Medical University was created for students’ training and research in 1946. Today it is open for free visits, and is home to a large arboretum.

Park Krasnaya Presnya: This park belonged to the Studenets estate of the Gagarin princes. It is a monument of 18th and 19th century landscaping, with Dutch ponds, ornate bridges, and tree-lined alleys. There are also sports facilities, sports equipment rental, and cafes.

Photo by Akkit  on Wikipedia

Essential information for visitors

Website: https://www.citymoscow.ru/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +7 (495) 730-23-33

Nearest metro: Mezhdunarodnaya (closest to the skyscrapers), Delovoy Tsentr (underneath Afimall), Vystavochnaya (closest to Expocentre)

Related Tours

Moscow - St. Petersburg 3-star cruise by Vodohod

This is our most popular cruise covering Moscow and St. Petersburg and all of the significant towns between these 2 cities. Besides the Two Capitals, you will visit the ancient towns of Uglich, Yaroslavl and Goritsy, the island of Kizhi, and Mandrogui village.

Cruise Ship

Two Capitals and the Golden Ring

This tour covers the best sights of Moscow and St. Petersburg along with a trip to the Golden Ring - a group of medieval towns to the northeast of Moscow. Ancient Kremlins, onion-shaped domes and wooden architecture is just a small part of what awaits you on this amazing tour.

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Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

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Moscow opens its doors to middle eastern tourists with fresh offerings and easier access.

Moscow continues to be an enticing destination for Middle Eastern travelers, as the Russian capital continues to roll out a host of initiatives.

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Published: Mon 23 Oct 2023, 3:57 PM

Evgeny Kozlov, the chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, has underscored the Middle East as a pivotal partner in Moscow's flourishing tourism sector. A dedicated approach to attracting more tourists involves fostering collaboration between local and international businesses.

"Since the beginning of this year, the Moscow City Tourism Committee has organised eight business missions in eight countries, as well as four family trips to the capital. More than 100 companies from Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have joined them. Such events make it possible to establish cooperation between Moscow and Middle East tourism industries and contribute to an increase in reciprocal tourist flows," emphasised Kozlov.

September and October witnessed the arrival of approximately 40 representatives from travel companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, embarking on a comprehensive familiarisation trip to Moscow. During their visit, they explored Moscow's extensive tourism potential and engaged in numerous business discussions with local counterparts. Moreover, they were introduced to the 'Moscow+' programme, which not only unveils the charm of Moscow but also provides access to other captivating Russian cities, including Kazan and destinations in the Moscow region. With Moscow serving as the central transportation hub of the nation, exploring nearby suburbs, with their magnificent monasteries and fortresses in Sergiev Posad, Kolomna, and Zvenigorod, is made conveniently accessible. For those seeking greater adventure, high-speed trains offer a swift journey to St. Petersburg, known as Russia's 'northern' capital, celebrated for its white nights.

Experts in the tourism industry from the Middle East have emphasised the potential appeal of Moscow's countryside infrastructure, which includes an array of spa complexes, elegant estates, golf clubs, and ethnoparks. Winter tourism promises to be a unique and unforgettable experience for Middle Eastern travellers, particularly during the new year holidays when Moscow undergoes a breathtaking transformation, captivating visitors of all ages.

Travelling from the Middle East to Moscow has become increasingly convenient. Presently, there are over 100 flights connecting the United Arab Emirates and Moscow, complemented by regular flight connections to countries like Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and other Middle Eastern nations. In August, Russia introduced e-visas for citizens of 55 countries, including Middle Eastern states. These e-visas are valid for 60 days from the date of issue, granting tourists a 16-day stay in Russia. Moreover, Russia is actively exploring the possibility of abolishing tourist visas for citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait by 2024. Already, citizens of the UAE and Qatar enjoy a visa-free regime for travel to Moscow.

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I've been to 107 countries. Italy and Mexico are great, but these 5 underrated destinations should be on your travel radar.

• I've visited 107 countries, and I recommend these 5 that can be overlooked for more popular places. 
• Estonia is a European dream, and Namibia is one of my favorite places in the world . 
• Costa Rica is popular but not as packed with tourists as some similarly beautiful places nearby. 

This year, travelers are looking to visit more under-the-radar destinations than popular ones — in part to dodge crowds and in part to save money.

Some are specifically looking for "travel dupes," a term for destinations similar to popular spots that are often cheaper with fewer crowds.

And, as someone who's been to 107 countries , I can tell you each region of the world has an often overlooked country that may offer a more rewarding experience than a more well-known place. These more under-the-radar destinations are often less crowded, and your dollar just might go further.

Popular travel destinations like Italy, France, and Mexico are great picks — but consider visiting these alternative options to the more popular choices in the region.

Estonia is a European dream.

I was immediately captivated by the fairy-tale appearance of Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia.

Walking the cobblestoned streets within the fortress-like walls of the old city transported me back to medieval times.

The city is small enough to explore on foot, and there's plenty to entertain history and architecture enthusiasts. Enjoying a coffee or a beer in the Town Hall Square while people watching is a highlight of my European travels.

Although many people visit Tallinn as a day trip from Helsinki, which is a two-hour ferry ride away, it's worth staying here for a few days and heading into the Estonian countryside. The roads are often quite empty and incredibly peaceful.

I enjoyed Estonia so much that I returned twice more in the 18 months after my first visit.

I've enjoyed visiting Oman, a country in the Middle East.

Dubai gets a lot of attention for its luxurious travel opportunities , and many know Qatar because it recently hosted the World Cup, but nearby Oman should not be skipped.

After all, Oman's capital, Muscat, provides an excellent gateway to the country.

A stroll along the beautiful Corniche will take you along the water and by the bustling Grand Bazaar. For those who love hikes, there are plenty of options in Oman, including several easily accessible trails in Muscat that offer great city views.

Better still, the amazing Wadi Shab is less than two hours from the capital city and is one of the best hikes I've ever experienced . The trail takes you through narrow gorges and across streams and ends with a surreal swim through incredible caves.

It's an experience so breathtaking I'd expected it to be packed with tourists, but it wasn't when we visited. We only saw a handful of people, which allowed us to really enjoy our trip.

I've seen many parts of Africa, but Namibia may just be my favorite spot.

I have been fortunate to go on safaris in Kenya , Botswana, and Tanzania, but Namibia is my favorite travel destination of the bunch.

While there, we rented a campervan and did a self-drive tour of the country, allowing us to explore independently. Yet again, we avoided the crowds and the campsites were usually just us and local animals.

Waking up to the sounds of monkeys, elephants, and even lions was a special treat, especially knowing we were safe inside our campervan.

In addition to the wildlife, there's a lot to explore in Namibia, including colossal dunes, which we hiked up and surfed down —undoubtedly the trip highlight for my children.

Sri Lanka showcases a lot of what Asia landscapes have to offer.

Asia has some beautiful beaches, but Sri Lanka has beaches and tea plantations, mountains, rocks, waterfalls, and more.

We visited Sri Lanka last year and hired a driver and guide who showcased the diverse landscapes of this island country. The food was terrific and extremely cheap — our family of four was fed for less than $10 on most occasions.

The locals I interacted with were incredibly friendly and the island is also small enough to allow for in-depth exploration in a relatively short time.

Costa Rica is an excellent place to visit in Central America.

Growing up in Texas, my wife has been to Mexico many times since the state shares a border with the country. But to explore somewhere new, smaller, and in the same region, we chose to have our honeymoon in Costa Rica .

Although it's still popular, Costa Rica offers an authentic travel experience as I feel it has yet to be overrun by tourists. Like the other countries on this list, it has a diverse landscape, from white-sand beaches to rainforests to volcanoes, so there's plenty to do.

We also visited during the rainy season, so we took advantage of low crowds , low prices, and often received upgrades — and, as a bonus, it rarely rained!

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