Luxury UAE hotels face backlash over shocking bedbug infestations among Russian tourists

Russian tourists have encountered bedbug infestations in some of the UAE’s most luxurious hotels. Reports highlight cases in five-star resorts, with guests suffering from bites even after returning home. The incidents have raised concerns among travellers booking high-end stays.

Anastasia, a visitor from Istra, discovered bedbugs in her room at the Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa. She noticed bite marks on her body before spotting the pests. The hotel had charged 215,000 rubles (around $2,400) for a week-long stay.

A similar incident occurred at the Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah, where a couple found bedbugs on their pillow. The problem extended beyond their trip, as victims continued to suffer from bites after returning to Russia. Singer Larisa Dolina also faced issues during her stay at the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Her accommodation, a premium suite with an Ultra All Inclusive package, cost approximately 1.4 million rubles for two weeks. Nightly rates at the hotel range from 300,000 to 1,000,000 rubles ($3,300–$11,000). The reports suggest that even high-end hotels with steep prices are not immune to such problems.

The incidents have left some Russian travellers wary of booking luxury hotels in the UAE. Guests affected by bedbugs have dealt with ongoing discomfort long after their holidays ended. The issue highlights the need for stricter pest control in upscale resorts.