Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar continue to shape the Middle East’s tourism landscape as long-term investments, expanding aviation networks and large-scale destination projects remain central to regional travel development. Although the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that the Middle East’s Travel and Tourism GDP will decline from US$386 billion in 2025 to approximately US$330 billion in 2026, the region’s leading tourism markets continue advancing infrastructure, hospitality and connectivity projects designed to support future visitor growth.
WTTC Forecasts Temporary Regional Slowdown
The World Travel & Tourism Council projects that the Middle East’s Travel and Tourism GDP will decrease by 14.5% during 2026.
The projected decline follows disruptions affecting one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors, influencing regional travel flows across several international markets.
Despite the short-term contraction, tourism authorities across the Gulf continue implementing long-term development strategies focused on increasing international arrivals, expanding visitor experiences and improving transport connectivity.
Infrastructure projects, airport expansion and destination development remain active throughout the region.
Saudi Arabia Continues Vision 2030 Tourism Expansion
Saudi Arabia remains one of the region’s largest tourism investors through its Vision 2030 programme.
The strategy continues to support new tourism destinations, hospitality developments and cultural attractions designed to diversify the country’s visitor economy.
Projects including AlUla, the Red Sea destination, Diriyah and NEOM continue expanding Saudi Arabia’s tourism portfolio alongside religious tourism centred on Makkah and Madinah.
The Kingdom also continues strengthening international air connectivity through additional routes operated by national and international airlines.
These initiatives support leisure tourism, cultural travel, heritage experiences and business events across multiple destinations.
United Arab Emirates Maintains Global Tourism Connectivity
The United Arab Emirates continues to benefit from its role as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain key gateways connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas through extensive airline networks.
International visitors continue to travel to the UAE for leisure, luxury hospitality, shopping, exhibitions and business events, while new hotel developments and tourism attractions continue expanding visitor capacity.
Major airports and airline investments remain important contributors to regional tourism accessibility.
Oman Expands Nature and Cultural Tourism
Oman continues promoting tourism centred on natural landscapes, heritage and outdoor experiences.
Destinations including Muscat, Jebel Akhdar, Salalah and the Wahiba Sands attract visitors seeking mountain scenery, coastal experiences, desert adventures and cultural exploration.
Tourism investment continues through hotel developments, heritage restoration projects and improved visitor infrastructure supporting both domestic and international travellers.
The country’s focus on sustainable tourism complements broader regional diversification strategies.
Qatar Continues Building on International Events
Qatar remains focused on strengthening tourism following recent international sporting and cultural events.
Doha continues expanding its tourism offerings through museums, waterfront developments, hospitality projects and event infrastructure.
Hamad International Airport supports international connectivity while new accommodation capacity and cultural attractions continue attracting leisure and business travellers.
Qatar’s tourism strategy also includes conferences, exhibitions, sports tourism and family travel experiences.
Aviation Remains Central to Regional Tourism
Air connectivity continues to play a defining role in Middle East tourism.
Major aviation hubs in Riyadh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat and Doha provide extensive international connections linking the Gulf with destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa and North America.
Ongoing airport expansion projects, additional airline routes and fleet growth continue supporting long-term tourism objectives despite temporary fluctuations in passenger demand.
Strong aviation infrastructure allows visitors to combine multiple Gulf destinations within a single regional itinerary.
Multi-Destination Gulf Tourism Continues to Expand
International travellers increasingly explore several Gulf countries during one journey.
Visitors often combine Saudi Arabia’s heritage attractions with Dubai’s urban experiences, Oman’s natural landscapes and Qatar’s cultural institutions through regional flight connections.
This multi-destination approach supports tourism activity across accommodation providers, airlines, restaurants, museums, retail centres and local tourism businesses throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
Destination Information for Travellers
Saudi Arabia’s principal tourism destinations include Riyadh, AlUla, Jeddah, the Red Sea coast, Diriyah, Makkah and Madinah. The local currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). The UAE uses the UAE Dirham (AED), Oman uses the Omani Rial (OMR), and Qatar uses the Qatari Riyal (QAR). Major international gateways include King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, Muscat International Airport and Hamad International Airport in Doha. Visitors can combine these destinations through frequent regional air services operated by Gulf carriers.
Key Statistics
- WTTC forecasts Middle East Travel and Tourism GDP at approximately US$330 billion in 2026.
- Regional Travel and Tourism GDP reached approximately US$386 billion in 2025.
- The projected year-on-year decline is 14.5%.
- Saudi Arabia continues expanding tourism through Vision 2030 initiatives.
- UAE, Oman and Qatar continue investing in aviation, hospitality and destination development.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman and Qatar continue advancing long-term tourism strategies despite forecasts of a temporary regional slowdown during 2026. Supported by aviation expansion, destination investments, cultural attractions and improved visitor infrastructure, the Gulf’s leading tourism markets remain focused on strengthening connectivity and diversifying travel experiences while preparing for sustained future growth across the Middle East.
