Oman Joins With Bahrain And More GCC Countries In Targeting Premium Travellers As GCC Hospitality Boom Accelerates By End Of 2026

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Oman and other GCC countries enhance hospitality infrastructure to target high-end tourists through the end of 2026. With the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tourism sector undergoing an era of significant change, countries such as Oman and Bahrain among others are boosting their hospitality infrastructure in order to lure high-end tourists until the end of 2026. From increasing hotel supplies and luxury resorts to developing tourism destinations, GCC countries are ensuring their place as major tourism destinations globally.

Oman is emerging as a key contributor to this regional hospitality growth with plans to add 700 new hotel rooms by the end of 2026, increasing the Sultanate’s total accommodation inventory to around 40,800 keys. The expansion supports Oman’s ambition to attract international visitors through nature tourism, heritage experiences, luxury resorts and adventure travel.

At the same time, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and other GCC markets are expanding their hospitality capacity through new hotels, resorts, entertainment districts and tourism infrastructure.

Oman Expands Hospitality Capacity To Welcome More Premium Travellers

Oman is strengthening its tourism infrastructure by increasing hotel supply across major destinations. The addition of 700 rooms will provide greater accommodation capacity as demand grows from international and regional markets.

The Sultanate’s hospitality strategy focuses on attracting travellers who seek authentic experiences, including:

• Mountain escapes in the Hajar Mountains
• Desert adventures in Sharqiyah Sands
• Coastal tourism along the Arabian Sea
• Cultural exploration in Muscat, Nizwa and heritage towns
• Wellness and luxury retreats

Oman’s tourism identity is built around combining natural landscapes with traditional Arabian hospitality. The country is developing resorts and boutique properties that appeal to travellers searching for quieter luxury experiences compared with high-density urban destinations.

The increase in hotel rooms will also support:

• Longer visitor stays
• More international tour packages
• Increased business events
• Cruise passenger accommodation
• Domestic tourism growth

Saudi Arabia Drives The Biggest Hospitality Transformation In The GCC

Saudi Arabia is leading one of the region’s largest tourism transformations through Vision 2030, creating new destinations, luxury resorts and entertainment attractions.

The Kingdom is expanding hospitality capacity across:

Saudi Arabia is moving beyond traditional pilgrimage tourism by developing high-value leisure experiences. Luxury hospitality projects, cultural destinations and entertainment developments are attracting international hotel operators and investors.

The country’s growing tourism sector is expected to increase demand for hotels, restaurants, transport services and visitor experiences, creating a broader tourism ecosystem.

UAE Continues Expanding As A Global Luxury Hospitality Hub

The United Arab Emirates remains one of the GCC’s strongest hospitality markets, supported by Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s international connectivity, luxury attractions and global events.

The UAE hospitality model focuses on premium tourism through:

• Five-star resorts
• Luxury shopping experiences
• Beach destinations
• Business events
• Cruise tourism
• Entertainment attractions

Dubai continues strengthening its position as a global tourism centre with continuous investment in hotels, resorts and mixed-use developments.

The city’s hospitality sector attracts millions of international travellers through a combination of aviation connectivity, luxury accommodation and year-round tourism experiences.

New hospitality investments are also supporting:

• International conferences
• Corporate travel
• High-spending visitors
• Family tourism
• Long-stay travellers

Bahrain Targets GCC Weekend Tourism And Luxury Escapes

Bahrain is strengthening its hospitality sector by developing tourism experiences focused on culture, entertainment and short luxury breaks.

The island nation benefits from its proximity to Saudi Arabia and attracts visitors seeking:

• Beach resorts
• Heritage attractions
• Dining experiences
• Shopping tourism
• Motorsport events

Bahrain’s tourism appeal combines modern entertainment with thousands of years of history, including archaeological sites, museums and cultural landmarks.

The country is targeting regional travellers while also increasing awareness among international visitors looking for smaller, experience-focused Gulf destinations.

Qatar Builds Hospitality Strength Through Events And Luxury Tourism

Qatar continues developing its tourism sector through luxury hotels, cultural attractions and event-driven travel.

Doha’s hospitality growth is supported by:

• International sporting events
• Business conferences
• Exhibition tourism
• Luxury shopping
• Cultural attractions

The country’s investment in tourism infrastructure has created a strong foundation for attracting premium travellers who combine business and leisure experiences.

Qatar is increasingly positioning itself as a stopover destination, allowing international passengers to extend their stays while travelling through the region.

Kuwait Strengthens Hospitality Potential Through Tourism Diversification

Kuwait is also exploring greater tourism opportunities as GCC countries focus on economic diversification.

Hospitality development in Kuwait is centred around:

• Business tourism
• Shopping experiences
• Cultural attractions
• Family travel

While Kuwait’s tourism sector remains smaller compared with UAE and Saudi Arabia, continued investment in visitor facilities and leisure infrastructure is creating opportunities for future hospitality growth.

How GCC Hospitality Expansion Will Boost Tourist Numbers

The expansion of hotels and resorts across the GCC is expected to support tourism growth by increasing accommodation availability and improving visitor experiences.

The GCC is also benefiting from growing demand for experiential tourism, where travellers seek culture, nature, food, wellness and adventure alongside luxury accommodation.

GCC Hospitality Boom Creates A New Middle East Tourism Map

By the end of 2026, Oman, Bahrain and other GCC countries will represent a stronger network of premium tourism destinations.

The region is shifting from being known mainly for business travel and luxury city breaks into a wider tourism ecosystem offering:

• Desert resorts
• Mountain retreats
• Heritage journeys
• Beach holidays
• Adventure experiences
• Cultural tourism

Oman’s addition of 700 hotel rooms represents one part of a much larger GCC hospitality expansion. Saudi Arabia is developing mega destinations, the UAE continues its luxury tourism growth, Bahrain is strengthening leisure travel, Qatar is expanding event tourism and Kuwait is developing new visitor opportunities.

Oman’s targeted addition of 700 rooms aligns perfectly with the wider GCC
strategy to capture the premium global tourism market by 2026.

Collectively, this has resulted in a remarkable transformation in the hospitality industry in the region, making the GCC region attractive to premium tourists worldwide by 2026.