Saudi Arabia And Bahrain Joins UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, And More Powerful Middle Eastern Countries In Driving Unprecedented Tourism Growth For Qatar In 2025: What You Need To Know

Published on December 15, 2025

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain joins UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan, are driving Qatar’s unprecedented tourism growth in 2025, with their strategic collaboration playing a pivotal role in increasing the number of visitors to the country. As regional neighbors with strong cultural, economic, and historical ties to Qatar, these nations are leveraging their established connections to fuel the tourism boom, while Qatar’s world-class infrastructure, including Hamad International Airport and Qatar Duty Free, further enhance the visitor experience. This synergy has positioned Qatar as a premier travel destination, attracting a diverse range of tourists from the Middle East and beyond.

Qatar’s tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable surge in 2025, driven by a powerful collaboration among Middle Eastern nations and key global markets. While the country has long been recognized for its world-class aviation hub at Hamad International Airport and its luxurious lifestyle offerings, recent growth signals a new era for Qatar’s tourism sector. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are at the forefront of this growth, joining the UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan to significantly boost the number of visitors to Qatar this year. This article explores how these nations are working together to fuel the tourism boom and what this means for the country’s status as a premier travel destination.

The Role of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain in Qatar’s Tourism Surge

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have emerged as the leading drivers of tourism growth for Qatar in 2025, with the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) bloc continuing to provide a significant portion of the total arrivals. As neighboring countries with strong cultural, economic, and historical ties to Qatar, both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain play a pivotal role in shaping the travel dynamics in the region.

Saudi Arabia: The Largest Contributor to Qatar’s Tourism Growth

Saudi Arabia has been identified as Qatar’s leading source market for tourism. In 2024, approximately 1.4 million visitors from Saudi Arabia arrived in Qatar, and this number is expected to increase significantly in 2025. With direct access through well-established travel routes and shared cultural ties, Saudi citizens are frequent visitors to Qatar, especially for business, sports events, and religious tourism, such as the annual Hajj pilgrimage and sporting events like the Qatar World Cup.

Bahrain: A Key Player in Strengthening Regional Travel

Bahrain has also proven to be a significant contributor to Qatar’s tourism growth in 2025. The country’s proximity to Qatar and its similar cultural heritage make it an ideal market for cross-border tourism. Bahrain’s affluent population and a growing number of travelers visiting for leisure, business, and events such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Bahrain drive the increasing flow of tourists into Qatar. Bahrain’s well-established aviation routes further cement its role in regional tourism growth.

GCC Countries: The Core of Qatar’s Regional Tourism Growth

The broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region remains the dominant source of visitors to Qatar, accounting for 36% of all international arrivals in the first half of 2025. This bloc of countries plays an instrumental role in maintaining Qatar’s tourism momentum. The key countries contributing to this growth include:

• UAE: The UAE continues to be a major source of visitors, with Dubai’s proximity to Qatar and the two cities’ shared appeal as luxury travel destinations.
• Kuwait: Kuwaiti nationals contribute significantly to Qatar’s tourism, with many choosing Doha for both leisure and business purposes.
• Oman: Oman’s cultural ties with Qatar, coupled with an increasing demand for regional travel, make it an essential player in Qatar’s tourism growth.
• Bahrain: As discussed, Bahrain’s significant contribution to the tourism market complements the growing influence of the wider GCC.

Other Arab Markets: A Growing Secondary Source of Visitors

In addition to the GCC, other Arab countries have also emerged as important contributors to Qatar’s tourism growth. Countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, and Iraq are steadily increasing their share of visitors to Qatar. Together, these countries account for 7% of all visitors to Qatar in 2025, making them a vital secondary cluster in the broader Middle Eastern tourism market.

• Jordan: With shared cultural and historical ties to Qatar, Jordan is increasingly becoming a key market for tourists seeking both leisure and business opportunities in Qatar.
• Lebanon: Lebanese nationals often visit Qatar for work opportunities, luxury shopping, and cultural events, adding to the inflow of regional visitors.
• Egypt: Egypt, with its large population and well-established ties with Qatar, has long been a consistent contributor to the tourism sector, and 2025 is no exception.
• Iraq: Iraq’s growing economic ties with Qatar have led to increased travel, especially for business purposes.

Long-Haul Markets: Asia, Europe, and North America Boosting Qatar’s Tourism

While regional tourism continues to dominate, long-haul markets from Asia, Europe, and North America are providing strong support to Qatar’s tourism growth. Countries like India, Germany, United Kingdom, and United States are significant contributors to the country’s tourism numbers in 2025.

Asia & Oceania: A Surge in Visitors from India, China, and Beyond

In 2025, Asia & Oceania collectively provided 20% of visitors to Qatar, with India emerging as a major source market. The increasing number of travelers from India, both for leisure and business, is helping to fuel the country’s tourism industry. In addition, growing numbers of visitors from China, Singapore, and Japan are also contributing to the rise in international arrivals.

Europe: A Strong Support from the UK, Germany, and Other European Nations

Europe continues to be a key market for Qatar, providing 28% of total arrivals. The United Kingdom and Germany are leading the way in terms of long-haul tourism, with many European nationals visiting Qatar for cultural events, sports, and business opportunities. The country’s robust tourism infrastructure, including world-class hotels, restaurants, and retail experiences, make it an appealing destination for European travelers.

North America: The United States Leads in North American Tourism

Visitors from the United States make up a significant portion of Qatar’s long-haul tourism market. With direct flights from several US cities to Doha, the number of American tourists visiting Qatar for business, leisure, and educational purposes is on the rise. As the country’s tourism profile grows, more travelers from North America are discovering the unique offerings of Qatar.

The Role of Qatar Duty Free in Enhancing the Visitor Experience

Qatar’s tourism growth is also closely linked to the excellence of Qatar Duty Free (QDF), which was recently awarded the title of World’s Leading Airport Duty Free Operator 2025 at the prestigious World Travel Awards. QDF’s commitment to providing exceptional service and offering a blend of global luxury brands and locally curated products enhances the overall visitor experience. This focus on creating a cultural gateway through airport retail has played a key role in transforming Hamad International Airport into more than just a transit hub, but a destination in its own right.

Qatar Duty Free’s focus on integrating Qatari design elements and luxury brands reflects Qatar’s broader tourism strategy of offering travelers an immersive experience that begins the moment they step into the country’s airports. This approach aligns with Qatar’s vision to attract stopover visitors, encouraging travelers to explore the country’s museums, heritage districts, and waterfronts.

Strengthening Qatar’s Position as a Global Transit Hub

As Qatar continues to enhance its tourism offerings, Hamad International Airport remains a critical element in the country’s success. The airport’s strategic location and continuous expansion allow Qatar to attract a growing number of international tourists. Its status as one of the world’s best airports supports Qatar’s positioning as a leading global transit hub.

Moreover, Qatar Tourism’s emphasis on seamless visitor experiences, from arrival to departure, ensures that travelers associate Qatar with quality, efficiency, and memorable moments. Whether visitors are staying for a short stopover or an extended stay, Qatar aims to provide an unforgettable journey.

Qatar’s tourism industry is on an upward trajectory, bolstered by the strong contributions from neighboring countries in the GCC and key long-haul markets. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain’s leadership in driving tourism from the Middle East, coupled with the strategic efforts of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Duty Free, position the country for continued success in 2025 and beyond. With a growing number of visitors from across the world, Qatar is solidifying its place as one of the most exciting and dynamic destinations for travelers seeking luxury, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, alongside UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan, are key players in driving Qatar’s tourism growth in 2025, thanks to their strong regional ties and increased travel connectivity. This collaboration has positioned Qatar as a top destination, attracting a surge of visitors from the Middle East and beyond.

As Qatar continues to strengthen its tourism offerings, the combined efforts of these countries will undoubtedly ensure a bright future for the country’s tourism sector. The year 2025 marks an exciting chapter in Qatar’s growth, and the momentum is expected to carry well into the future.