Kuwait is set to host one of Russia’s most celebrated cultural showcases as the Moscow Seasons festival arrives in the Middle East for the first time. From 25 to 27 September, audiences in Kuwait will be immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavours of the Russian capital through a programme blending classical music, art, traditions, and modern attractions.
Supported by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Kuwait, Moscow Seasons in Kuwait will unfold across two major venues — the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre and The Avenues shopping mall. Organisers say the event aims to introduce visitors to Moscow’s heritage while highlighting its contemporary cultural scene.
The centrepiece of the three-day celebration will be a concert by the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra on 27 September, under the baton of renowned conductor Maestro Ivan Rudin. The performance will feature two iconic Russian works: Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade and Igor Stravinsky’s The Firebird.
Scheherazade, known for its sweeping orchestration and lyrical violin solos, draws inspiration from the tales of One Thousand and One Nights. The Firebird, Stravinsky’s breakthrough ballet score, fuses Russian folklore with daring harmonies and vivid orchestral colours. Together, these works promise an evening of rich musical storytelling at Kuwait’s premier cultural venue.
Ahead of the concert, guests will be treated to a “Moscow Tea Time” — a ceremonial tasting of traditional Russian sweets and teas — and can explore a special photo zone featuring historical costumes from the Moscow Estates Festival, which celebrates the city’s historic mansions.
Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee, said Kuwaiti interest in Moscow as a travel destination has surged in recent years. “In 2024, Moscow welcomed around 16,500 visitors from Kuwait — nearly ten times more than in 2019 — with 97% travelling for tourism,” he noted. “This festival is not just an event but a cultural bridge between our nations, inviting people to experience Moscow firsthand.”
The Avenues shopping mall, one of the Middle East’s largest retail destinations, will host daily performances by Russian artistic ensembles, a photo exhibition, and interactive presentations on Moscow’s landmarks and lifestyle. Visitors can also access the Moscow Tourist Information Centre and the “Moscow Tea Time” stand inside the mall.
The Moscow Seasons brand is known for its thematic festivals across Russia, featuring open-air concerts, artisanal markets, traditional cuisine, and seasonal celebrations. Its debut in Kuwait reflects a growing emphasis on cultural diplomacy and tourism exchange between Russia and the Gulf region.
Organisers hope the event will encourage more Kuwaitis to visit Moscow, offering a taste of the city’s architecture, performing arts, and culinary traditions. For those attending in Kuwait, the promise is an immersive journey — from the elegance of the symphony hall to the bustle of a Russian street festival — without leaving home.
With its blend of world-class music, heritage showcases, and interactive experiences, Moscow Seasons in Kuwait is set to be a highlight of the country’s cultural calendar this autumn.
