Qatar Joins Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and Jordan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Travel Boom – Here’s How the Middle East is Shaping the Tournament!

Published on December 22, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws near, a remarkable surge in travel demand has been recorded, particularly from the UAE and surrounding Middle Eastern nations. According to data from the U.S. Department of State, Expedia, and the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), a 235% increase in travel bookings from the UAE has been reported as of December 2025, reflecting the immense regional interest in the tournament.

This unprecedented demand has been fueled by the highest regional representation of Middle Eastern teams in World Cup history. For the first time, four Middle Eastern teams—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan (a debutant)—will compete across various North American cities. As a result, the UAE, already a major global travel hub, is seeing a huge uptick in bookings to the United States, the host country of the tournament.

Who Is Driving the Surge?

The surge in travel demand is primarily driven by fans from the UAE, but also from the wider GCC region (Gulf Cooperation Council), including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and Jordan. These countries are eager to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they are represented by their respective teams.

The UAE, with its strategic location as a regional transit hub, is experiencing a wave of travel bookings, not just from its own residents but also from the broader GCC region. Dubai International (DXB) has become a key transit point, with fans from across the Gulf region flocking to the UAE before continuing their journeys to North America for the World Cup matches.

What Are the Official Government Initiatives?

To address the sudden influx of travel demand and the challenges posed by long visa wait times, the U.S. Department of State has launched a special initiative called FIFA PASS.

The FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) was announced in December 2025 to facilitate visa appointments for fans traveling to the World Cup. The system is designed to help verified ticket holders skip the usual visa wait times, which in some cases can exceed 12 months for standard B1/B2 visa appointments. With the new system in place, World Cup ticket holders will have priority access to fast-track visa interviews, ensuring that they can secure their visas well in advance of the tournament’s kick-off on June 11, 2026.

The PASS system is expected to officially open in early 2026, allowing ticket holders to begin scheduling their expedited visa interviews. However, those with standard appointment dates scheduled after the tournament’s start date are advised to wait until the FIFA PASS slots become available, as the U.S. Embassy in the UAE has recommended.

Fans should note that the FIFA PASS does not grant them a special World Cup visa. Instead, they will still receive the regular 10-year B1/B2 multiple-entry visa, but the interview appointment itself will be expedited.

What Are the Top U.S. Destination Hotspots for UAE Fans?

Search data and booking trends reveal that UAE travelers are focusing on specific U.S. cities with direct flights from Emirates and Etihad Airways, as well as significant interest in cities where their national teams are playing. Among the most popular destinations:

1. Dallas (AT&T Stadium): Leading the surge, Dallas has seen a 900% increase in flight and hotel searches. The city’s role as a major hub for the World Cup, combined with its proximity to high-profile matches, makes it a prime destination for UAE travelers.
2. Miami (Hard Rock Stadium): As a key destination for South American and Middle Eastern teams, Miami is seeing substantial demand from fans eager to watch matches in this vibrant city.
3. Boston & New York/New Jersey: Both cities are emerging as top fan hotspots, particularly for the later stages of the tournament and the final match.

How Are Airlines Preparing for the Surge?

To meet the unprecedented travel demand, major Gulf carriers are ramping up their operations and expanding services to North America.

• Etihad Airways has already launched new service to Atlanta in late 2025 and plans to add Charlotte, North Carolina in May 2026 to accommodate the influx of World Cup fans.
• Gulf Air has reintroduced non-stop service to New York, aiming to capture connecting traffic from the Northern Emirates and Bahrain.
• Qatar Airways, an official World Cup partner, is offering all-inclusive match packages that bundle Category 1 tickets, flights, and transfers, specifically targeting the UAE and GCC fans.

What About Visa Wait Times?

Despite the FIFA PASS initiative, the current visa wait times for standard B1/B2 appointments in the UAE remain a challenge. As of mid-December 2025, the reported wait times for visa interviews are as follows:

• Dubai: 9 months for B1/B2 (Visitor) visas, with the next available appointments in September 2026.
• Abu Dhabi: 14 months for B1/B2 (Visitor) visas, with available slots pushing well into 2027.

As a result, the FIFA PASS system is a crucial solution for fans who need to secure their visas before the tournament begins.

What Does This Mean for UAE Residents?

With the massive surge in demand for World Cup tickets and travel to the U.S., UAE residents and other GCC nationals are strongly encouraged to purchase their tickets and travel packages only after receiving confirmation of their visa approval. The U.S. Embassy has issued specific guidance advising travelers to purchase tickets at their own risk until the visa is granted, underscoring the importance of securing a visa before making non-refundable travel arrangements.

Conclusion: Preparing for FIFA 2026 and Beyond

The 235% surge in travel demand for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is a direct result of the growing Middle Eastern presence in the tournament. With four Middle Eastern teams competing, the demand from UAE and the broader GCC region is expected to keep growing as 2026 approaches. The FIFA PASS system, along with aggressive aviation expansions by Gulf carriers, is ensuring that this surge in travel demand is met with the necessary infrastructure and support.

For fans planning to attend, now is the time to secure visas, book flights, and take advantage of the expanded travel options as they prepare for what promises to be a historic tournament in North America.