Oman brings together the Middle East countries to reinvent the tourism sector via culture, sustainability and development. Oman is working with even more Middle East countries to foster an interconnected future for tourism which will be driven by culture, sustainability and regional solidarity. At the 10th Meeting of GCC Ministers Responsible For Tourism in Manama, Bahrain, Oman urged the Gulf countries to integrate tourism via joint programs and coordinated marketing efforts.
The move reflects a growing regional ambition to transform the Gulf into a unified tourism destination where travellers can explore different countries through combined experiences, cultural connections and sustainable journeys.
Advertisement
Oman believes that tourism cooperation should move beyond traditional coordination and focus on practical projects that create long-term benefits for visitors, businesses and local communities.
The country highlighted that the Middle East has strong tourism advantages, including ancient heritage, natural landscapes, modern infrastructure, luxury hospitality and diverse cultural experiences. By working together, countries can create a stronger global tourism identity.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Oman has encouraged Gulf countries to develop a new level of tourism partnership where each destination contributes its unique strengths while supporting a shared regional vision.
The Omani approach focuses on creating tourism experiences that connect:Tourism Focus Regional Opportunity Culture Connecting historic sites, traditions and local experiences across countries Sustainability Protecting nature while expanding tourism opportunities Cooperation Developing shared tourism programmes and strategies Innovation Improving digital tourism services and visitor experiences Connectivity Encouraging multi-country travel journeys Promotion Marketing the Gulf as one global destination
Oman called for clear implementation plans, specific timelines and measurable results to ensure that tourism cooperation creates real outcomes.
The vision is to help the Gulf compete with major tourism regions worldwide by combining the strengths of every country.
Saudi Arabia is one of the biggest tourism growth forces in the Middle East in 2026. The country is expanding its tourism sector by combining heritage, culture, entertainment and luxury travel experiences.
Saudi Arabia is developing tourism beyond traditional travel patterns by promoting:Tourism Area Saudi Arabia’s Growth Direction Heritage Tourism Promoting historic destinations and cultural attractions Religious Tourism Supporting pilgrimage and visitor experiences Luxury Tourism Developing premium resorts and unique destinations Entertainment Tourism Expanding events and international attractions Adventure Tourism Promoting deserts, landscapes and outdoor experiences
Saudi Arabia’s tourism expansion supports Oman’s vision of a connected Gulf tourism network where travellers can discover multiple destinations during one regional journey.
The Kingdom’s growing tourism presence also strengthens the Middle East’s position as a major global travel destination.
The United Arab Emirates continues to strengthen its role as one of the Middle East’s most recognised tourism destinations.
The UAE is boosting tourism in 2026 through:
Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue attracting international travellers by offering modern city experiences combined with cultural and leisure activities.
The UAE’s strong connectivity helps support regional tourism cooperation by allowing travellers to easily combine Gulf destinations in one holiday.
The country’s tourism development complements Oman’s goal of creating a more integrated Middle East travel experience.
Qatar is expanding its tourism sector by focusing on culture, events, hospitality and international visitors.
The country is developing tourism opportunities through:Tourism Segment Qatar’s Focus Cultural Tourism Showcasing heritage and national identity Sports Tourism Using international events to attract visitors Luxury Tourism Expanding premium hospitality experiences Business Tourism Growing conferences and exhibitions
Qatar’s tourism development supports the wider Gulf strategy of increasing regional cooperation and creating stronger travel connections between Middle East countries.
The country’s modern infrastructure and visitor attractions make it an important part of the region’s tourism growth story.
Bahrain continues building its tourism identity through culture, history and regional cooperation.
The country offers unique tourism experiences based on:
As the host of the GCC tourism ministers’ meeting, Bahrain played an important role in discussions about creating stronger tourism cooperation across the Gulf.
Bahrain’s cultural strengths add another important layer to the shared Middle East tourism experience.
Kuwait is working to expand its tourism appeal by developing more leisure and cultural experiences.
The country is focusing on:
Kuwait’s growing tourism ambitions support the GCC vision of creating a diverse regional tourism network where every country contributes different experiences.
Oman remains one of the region’s strongest examples of sustainable tourism development.
The country is promoting:
A major example is Al Jabal Al Akhdar, which Oman presented as a successful tourism development model.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Oman |
| Hotel Establishments | 95 |
| Total Rooms | More Than 1,060 |
| Visitors In 2024 | 203,629 |
| Visitors In 2025 | 222,151 |
| Growth | 9% Increase |
The destination represents Oman’s approach of combining natural beauty, local culture, hospitality investment and sustainable tourism development.
Al Jabal Al Akhdar demonstrates how responsible tourism can support local communities while attracting international visitors.
Egypt continues to play a major role in Middle East tourism through its unmatched cultural heritage and diverse attractions.
The country’s tourism strengths include:Tourism Area Egypt’s Advantage Heritage Tourism Ancient monuments and historical destinations Coastal Tourism Red Sea beaches and resort experiences Cultural Travel Museums and civilisation-based tourism Cruise Tourism River and coastal travel experiences
Egypt adds significant cultural value to the wider Middle East tourism landscape.
Jordan remains a key cultural tourism destination in the Middle East.
The country attracts travellers through:
Jordan’s tourism identity strengthens the region’s ability to offer visitors a combination of history, adventure and authentic experiences.
The Gulf tourism cooperation vision focuses on building a stronger regional tourism system.Regional Initiative Expected Tourism Impact Joint Tourism Packages Encourages travellers to explore multiple countries Shared Promotion Creates stronger global destination awareness Tourism Data Cooperation Improves planning and decision-making Digital Transformation Enhances visitor services Unified Tourist Guide Licence Creates better professional standards Hotel Classification Cooperation Improves tourism quality
The strategy aims to create a smoother travel experience while increasing tourism value across the region.
Oman’s call for deeper tourism integration represents a major step towards a more connected Middle East tourism future.
The region is moving beyond individual destination competition and building a shared tourism identity based on cooperation, culture and sustainability.
Saudi Arabia brings large-scale tourism investment and heritage experiences. The UAE provides global connectivity and luxury tourism. Qatar strengthens events and premium travel. Bahrain adds cultural depth. Kuwait expands leisure opportunities. Egypt and Jordan contribute ancient history and authentic experiences.
Together, these countries are creating a powerful tourism ecosystem where culture, sustainability and regional unity become the foundation for future growth.
Oman unites with other Middle Eastern nations in order to enhance their tourism industry via cooperation, sustainable development and regional integration.
The message of Oman is crystal clear – the future of Middle East tourism can only be successful if nations cooperate and present their region as a unique and unforgettable place.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Friday, September 11, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026
Saturday, September 12, 2026