The UAE Outpaces GCC Countries in AI-Powered Muslim Travel as Global Travel Index 2026 Reveals 80% of Travellers Now Plan Trips with Artificial Intelligence: Is Tourism Entering a New Era?

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The UAE Outpaces GCC Countries in AI-Powered Muslim Travel as Global Travel Index 2026 Reveals 80% of Travellers Now Plan Trips with Artificial Intelligence. United Arab Emirates is making headlines once again in global tourism, but this time the story is about much more than iconic skylines or luxury experiences. According to the newly released Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026, developed by Mastercard and CrescentRating, 80% of travellers worldwide now actively use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to research, compare and plan their journeys. At the same time, the UAE has secured sixth place globally among the world’s leading Muslim-friendly destinations, earning a perfect score of 100 for the availability of halal dining and prayer facilities. The findings highlight how technology and destination readiness are transforming travel decisions for millions of Muslim travellers worldwide.

Think travel planning is still about scrolling endlessly through websites? Not anymore. Today’s travellers are increasingly turning to AI-powered platforms that recommend destinations, identify halal restaurants, locate nearby prayer facilities and even personalise itineraries. The shift is changing how destinations compete for visitors, making digital visibility almost as important as physical infrastructure.

AI becomes the new travel companion

The GMTI 2026 report marks a significant shift in global tourism behaviour. Rather than relying solely on traditional travel agencies or online searches, travellers are increasingly using AI-powered assistants to organise every stage of their journeys.

From comparing flight routes to identifying halal-certified restaurants and nearby mosques, AI has become an essential planning tool. Intelligent travel assistants can also recommend accommodation, suggest attractions based on personal preferences and provide real-time travel guidance, reducing uncertainty before and during a trip.

For Muslim travellers, these digital tools simplify planning by bringing together information that previously required searching across multiple websites and travel platforms.

UAE strengthens its position in Muslim-friendly tourism

The UAE continues to reinforce its reputation as one of the world’s most accessible destinations for Muslim travellers.

The country ranked sixth globally with an overall score of 75, while achieving a perfect score of 100 for halal dining and prayer accessibility. The report also recognises the UAE as one of the most accessible destinations because of its world-class airports, efficient public transport networks, strong air connectivity and streamlined visa policies.

These strengths make destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi increasingly attractive to international visitors seeking convenient, faith-friendly travel experiences.

Digital visibility is becoming a tourism advantage

Having halal facilities is no longer enough.

The GMTI 2026 report explains that destinations must ensure these services are digitally discoverable through AI platforms. If halal restaurants, prayer spaces or Muslim-friendly hotels are not visible within AI-powered recommendation systems, travellers may never discover them, regardless of their quality.

This represents a major shift in destination marketing.

Tourism boards are now encouraged to structure digital information so AI platforms can accurately recommend local attractions and services. The result is a tourism environment where online discoverability directly influences visitor decisions.

Muslim travel continues to expand globally

The report forecasts continued growth for Muslim tourism over the coming years.

International Muslim visitor arrivals are expected to increase from 196 million in 2025 to 208 million in 2026, before reaching 262 million by 2030. Annual travel expenditure is projected to climb to US$310 billion by the end of the decade.

This sustained growth is encouraging destinations to strengthen halal tourism infrastructure while investing in smarter digital services.

Global rankings highlight strong competition

Malaysia retained its position as the world’s leading Muslim-friendly destination in the GMTI 2026 rankings.

Indonesia, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia shared second place, followed by Qatar in fifth position. The UAE secured sixth place, while Singapore remained the highest-ranked non-OIC destination.

The report evaluated 150 destinations, representing more than 98% of global Muslim visitor arrivals, using the Access, Communications, Environment and Services (ACES) framework. This year’s edition also introduced stronger emphasis on AI readiness, digital trust and smart destination infrastructure.

Technology reshapes the travel experience

Beyond AI itinerary planning, destinations are increasingly introducing digital solutions that simplify travel.

These include biometric border systems, e-visas, AI chatbots, multilingual translation tools and smart destination management platforms.

Together, these technologies reduce travel uncertainty while improving accessibility for international visitors. For Muslim travellers, they also make it easier to locate faith-based services before departure and throughout their journey.

Why tourism boards are adapting

Tourism organisations are responding by improving digital infrastructure alongside physical visitor services.

Providing halal restaurants, prayer facilities and Muslim-friendly accommodation remains essential, but ensuring these services are accurately represented across AI-powered travel platforms is becoming equally important.

As travellers increasingly delegate research to intelligent systems, destinations that provide structured, reliable and machine-readable information are better positioned to convert travel interest into confirmed bookings.

Key Stats

• 80% of travellers worldwide now use AI tools for travel planning.
• The UAE ranked 6th globally in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026.
• The UAE scored 100 for halal dining and prayer facilities.
• International Muslim arrivals are projected to reach 208 million in 2026.
• Muslim visitor arrivals are expected to increase to 262 million by 2030.
• Annual Muslim travel spending is forecast to reach US$310 billion by 2030.
• GMTI 2026 assessed 150 destinations representing more than 98% of global Muslim visitor arrivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are more travellers using AI for trip planning?

AI helps travellers compare routes, locate halal dining, find prayer facilities, personalise itineraries and access real-time travel information more efficiently.

Why did the UAE rank among the world’s top Muslim-friendly destinations?

The UAE earned high scores for accessibility, air connectivity, and visa convenience and achieved a perfect score for halal dining and prayer facilities.

What does GMTI 2026 measure?

The Global Muslim Travel Index evaluates destinations based on Access, Communications, Environment and Services (ACES), while also assessing AI readiness, digital visibility and traveller confidence.

Timeline and Events

• 18 June 2026: Mastercard and CrescentRating released the 11th Global Muslim Travel Index 2026.
• 2026: International Muslim visitor arrivals are projected to reach 208 million.
• 2030: Muslim travel is expected to reach 262 million arrivals and US$310 billion in annual spending.

Conclusion

The UAE Outpaces GCC Countries in AI-Powered Muslim Travel as Global Travel Index 2026 Reveals 80% of Travellers Now Plan Trips with Artificial Intelligence. The Global Muslim Travel Index 2026 highlights a tourism landscape where artificial intelligence and destination readiness are becoming increasingly interconnected. As 80% of travellers adopt AI-powered planning tools, destinations such as the UAE are strengthening their competitiveness by combining digital innovation with accessible halal services, efficient transport networks and visitor-friendly infrastructure. These developments are shaping the next phase of Muslim-friendly tourism, where both technology and on-the-ground experiences play a central role in attracting global travellers.