UAE Joins Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Others Set to Propel Tourism in the Middle East

The Middle East continues to be one of the fastest-growing regions for tourism globally, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman all playing key roles in the record-breaking tourism growth seen in 2025. According to the latest official government data and performance reports, these six countries are driving the region’s tourism boom, supported by their national strategies, infrastructure projects, and growing international appeal.

1. Saudi Arabia: Rapid Growth Under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia is leading the charge as the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative continues to push the country to new tourism heights. The Ministry of Tourism and the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) report explosive growth, with 116 million domestic and inbound visitors recorded in 2024, followed by an even stronger 2025 performance.

For the third quarter of 2025, Saudi Arabia saw SAR 33.8 billion in travel services exports, making tourism the country’s top service export. The introduction of the eVisa program has been a key driver, allowing travelers from 66 countries to visit easily. Additionally, the development of “Giga-projects” like The Red Sea Project and Diriyah has boosted the Kingdom’s appeal as a major tourism destination.

2. United Arab Emirates: An Established Powerhouse

The UAE remains the Middle East’s tourism powerhouse, with Dubai as its prime attraction. According to Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), hotel establishments welcomed 26.1 million guests from January to October 2025, marking a 5% year-over-year increase. The UAE’s growth in hotel revenues reached AED 40 billion, thanks to its status as a global hub for business, leisure, and tourism.

Dubai alone recorded 17.55 million overnight visitors through November 2025. The country’s high international air connectivity and the focus on sustainable travel under the “We the UAE 2031” vision continue to fuel growth, attracting both business travelers and tourists.

3. Egypt: Historic Tourism Performance

Egypt has seen the strongest tourism performance in its history, welcoming a record 19 million tourists in 2025, marking a 21% increase compared to the previous year. The surge was driven by the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and a strategic push to diversify its tourism offerings beyond the traditional sun and sea model.

Additionally, charter flight traffic saw a 32% rise, and visitors to New Alamein City skyrocketed by 450%. This shift towards cultural and adventure tourism has helped Egypt become a more attractive destination for a broader range of travelers, enhancing its global appeal.

4. Qatar: Post-FIFA World Cup Momentum

Building on the momentum of the FIFA World Cup 2022, Qatar has stabilized as a top-tier destination for international visitors. Qatar Tourism reports a steady increase in international arrivals, with 3.5 million visitors by the end of Q3 2025, and full-year projections estimating 5.3 million.

The 2025/2026 cruise season, which kicked off in November, is expected to surpass last year’s total of 360,000 cruise visitors. Qatar’s multi-access strategy—combining land, sea, and air transport—along with the streamlined Hayya platform for easy entry, has made the country more accessible than ever.

5. Jordan: Resilience Amid Regional Challenges

Despite facing regional complexities, Jordan’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience. According to the Ministry of Tourism and the Central Bank of Jordan, tourism revenue reached $7.16 billion by the end of November 2025, marking a 7% increase compared to 2024. The country saw a 14.7% rise in international tourist arrivals in the second half of the year.

European and Asian markets have driven much of this growth, with European arrivals surging by 36%. This rise has been largely attributed to Jordan’s cultural and natural attractions, such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.

6. Oman: Luxury and Eco-Tourism Growth

Oman has carved out a unique niche for itself in the luxury and eco-tourism sectors. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), hotel revenues for 3- to 5-star properties grew by 21% in 2025, totaling approximately OMR 258 million. Oman’s commitment to sustainable tourism is evident in the continued growth of luxury and nature-based travel experiences.

The Oman Vision 2040 strategy and the expansion of the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre—which hosted over 250 major events in 2025—have positioned the country as an ideal destination for luxury travel, business events, and eco-tourism.

Impact on Business Travel and Tourism

The significant rise in tourism in these countries has had a considerable impact on business travel and the tourism industry. For business travelers, countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia offer thriving hubs for conferences, exhibitions, and international meetings, while Jordan and Oman attract those looking for a balance of business and leisure. These regions’ growing infrastructure, including hotels, airports, and conference facilities, makes them attractive destinations for global business events.

For tourists, the diversity in offerings across the Middle East—ranging from cultural tourism in Egypt and Jordan to luxury and adventure tourism in Saudi Arabia and Oman—presents endless opportunities for exploration. The increased connectivity and visa facilitation programs, such as the eVisa system in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, make the region more accessible than ever.

Tips for Tourists and Business Travelers

1. Research the Visa Policies: Many countries in the Middle East now offer eVisas or visa-on-arrival options. Be sure to check the requirements before your trip to save time and effort.
2. Book in Advance: With tourism booming, securing accommodation and flights early is advisable, especially during peak seasons.
3. Explore Beyond the Major Cities: Countries like Jordan and Oman offer incredible natural and cultural attractions that might be less crowded but just as fascinating as major urban centers.
4. Respect Local Culture: Understanding cultural norms and practices, particularly in more conservative countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, will enhance your experience and ensure respectful interactions.
5. Consider Eco-Tourism: Oman offers stunning natural landscapes and eco-friendly luxury, perfect for those seeking a sustainable travel experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the Middle East’s tourism growth, with large increases in visitors and investment in infrastructure.
• Egypt and Jordan are diversifying their tourism products, attracting a wider range of international visitors.
• Qatar and Oman are capitalizing on post-event momentum and luxury eco-tourism growth, respectively.
• Travelers should stay informed about visa policies, peak seasons, and the local culture to ensure a seamless experience.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated

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