Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (DUBAI)
The UAE is expected to remain among the top destinations for travel and tourism spending in the Middle East through 2030, according to new projections unveiled at the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai.
The 2025 ATM Trends Report data presented by Dave Goodger, Managing Director for EMEA at Tourism Economics, shows that the UAE and Saudi Arabia are set to exceed $50 billion in total travel expenditure by the end of the decade. Both countries are also forecast to witness sustained growth across all travel segments - including leisure, business, and inbound tourism.
The UAE is on track to achieve annual growth rates of 9% in business travel spending and 5% in both leisure and inbound travel through the end of the decade, the report said.
The Middle East's tourism volume will more than double from 2019 levels by 2030, Goodger said, citing Tourism Economics projections.
More than 85% of the region's tourism growth over the next five years will come from international visitors, he added.
Younger, Wealthier Travellers
Outbound travel from the Middle East is also booming. Travellers from the GCC have one of the highest propensities globally to travel abroad, with average outbound trip durations of 7.6 nights - well above the global average of 4.4.
These travellers also spend more per day, with the region becoming a vital source market for destinations worldwide, from Morocco and Turkey to Thailand and the UK.
Another key driver of this growth in the region is the rise of younger, wealthier travellers with a high appetite for luxury and authentic experiences, according to Goodger.
These travellers are significantly more likely to use advanced technology such as AI chatbots and travel planning tools, he said.
According to Booking.com, 60% of UAE travellers now rely on AI for all aspects of their trip planning - a figure much higher than the global average.
Growth Drivers
Goodger also noted that cultural and entertainment events, including concerts, festivals, and major sporting competitions, are attracting tourists to the region.
Business travel, particularly the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector, is also seeing rapid growth, he added.
Events like the ATM itself – which last year generated $2.5 billion in business deals and welcomed 45,000 attendees – demonstrate the strong ROI such gatherings bring to destinations.
Other key enablers of the tourism surge in the region include technology and connectivity.
Goodger pointed out that Gulf carriers account for 12% of all global aircraft orders – a figure that far exceeds the region's share of international air traffic.
Less restrictive visa policies could boost visitor numbers from some markets by up to 40%, he added.
The cruise sector is also seeing growth, which bolsters regional connectivity. Goodger noted that Middle East ports are expected to record more than 300,000 cruise visits in 2025.
The report's data shows that Dubai and Abu Dhabi enjoy the highest share of regional passenger days in the Middle East.
