Tourism Explosion in the Middle East: Global Travel Market to Reach 15 Dollar Trillion by 2040

Published on November 25, 2025

By 2040, global spending on leisure travel is expected to reach $15 trillion, tripling the current amount, with the Middle East being the fastest growing region. The expected rise in leisure travel nights in the Middle East is 87% as the region’s tourism infrastructure is being built out in culturally and experientially richer ways. The growth in spending and travel to the Middle East is at the forefront of the 2026 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai from May 4 to May 7, 2026 as attendeed from specialized travel and tourism services gathering to the Dubai World Trade Center to discuss located services to the specialized travel and tourism services offered.

The Middle East is expected to lead the world in growth, following the Asia Pacific region, over the next five years with an estimated 7% year over year growth. The rapid growth in the region’s tourism industry is expected to result in further investment in the region’s infrastructure and in order to achieve and maintain this industry dominance.

A Thriving Middle East Tourism Sector

According to projections, by 2030, the world will witness nearly 30 billion tourism nights, with the Middle East accounting for approximately 8 percent of that total. This growth is attributed to several factors, including significant government investment, an expanding tourism infrastructure, and a growing focus on cultural experiences and experiential tourism. Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are spearheading this expansion, offering diverse attractions that range from world-class shopping malls and luxury resorts to historic sites and vibrant cultural festivals.

The Middle East’s rising popularity as a leisure travel destination is also driven by an increasing demand for unique, immersive experiences. Visitors are no longer just seeking traditional vacations but are increasingly interested in cultural exchanges, adventure travel, wellness retreats, and luxury experiences that cater to their desire for both relaxation and adventure.

Arabian Travel Market 2026: Shaping the Future of Global Tourism

The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 will serve as a key platform for showcasing the region’s tourism potential. The event will highlight not only the growth of the Middle East’s tourism sector but also its future direction, with a particular focus on leveraging technology, sustainability, and cultural exchange to enhance the visitor experience. With the global leisure travel market projected to grow at an annual rate of 7 percent, ATM 2026 will be the perfect stage for discussing the strategies and innovations that will shape the future of travel.

Danielle Curtis, the exhibition director for the Middle East at ATM, highlighted that the rapid growth of the Middle East’s tourism industry reflects its deep commitment to infrastructure development and cultural offerings. She emphasized that leisure nights in the region are set to rise by 87 percent over the next decade, driven by the region’s increasing appeal as a hub for cultural, adventure, and luxury tourism.

Rapid Infrastructure Development Fuels Tourism Growth

One of the most significant factors contributing to the Middle East’s tourism boom is its rapid infrastructure development. From the expansion of international airports to the construction of iconic landmarks, the region has invested heavily in making itself a prime destination for global travelers. Dubai, for example, has built its reputation as a global tourism hub with attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, and world-renowned resorts, while Saudi Arabia is focusing on a vast development project in the Red Sea area, which will include luxury resorts and cultural destinations.

These investments are not just limited to the big cities. Smaller destinations across the region are also seeing an increase in tourism, driven by a growing number of boutique hotels, cultural sites, and local experiences that are becoming more attractive to international visitors. The availability of high-end facilities, combined with the rise of experiential travel, is setting the stage for the region to meet and exceed the growing demand for tourism.

Cultural and Experiential Offerings Expanding

The Middle East’s tourism success is also underpinned by its expanding cultural and experiential offerings. As travelers increasingly seek unique experiences, the region is responding with a range of immersive opportunities. For example, Saudi Arabia is opening up new cultural attractions like the Al-Ula heritage site and planning to host more global events that bring together diverse cultures and ideas.

The rise in experiential tourism is particularly important for the Middle East, as it allows the region to diversify its offerings. Travelers today are looking for more than just luxurious accommodations; they are seeking authentic cultural exchanges, adventure-filled activities, and wellness retreats. The Middle East is stepping up to this challenge by offering experiences that cater to a broad spectrum of interests, from desert safaris and hiking in the mountains to exploring ancient history and relaxing in state-of-the-art wellness resorts.

A Glimpse into the Future of Middle East Tourism

Looking ahead to 2040, the Middle East’s role in global leisure travel is expected to become even more significant. The rapid development of the tourism sector, combined with innovative strategies and expanding cultural offerings, is positioning the region as one of the world’s leading travel hubs. With leisure travel spending forecasted to triple, the Middle East is poised to become an integral part of the global tourism market, attracting visitors from all corners of the world.

As countries in the Middle East continue to invest in infrastructure, technology, and cultural initiatives, the region will become an even more attractive destination for travelers seeking luxury, adventure, culture, and relaxation. The Arabian Travel Market 2026 will be a pivotal moment in this journey, as it brings together the key players in the global tourism industry to discuss and shape the future of Middle Eastern travel.

Preparing for a Surge in Global Leisure Travel

As global leisure travel spending continues to surge, the Middle East is preparing to take its place at the forefront of this growth. The expected rise in tourism nights and the region’s increasing appeal to international visitors make it a prime destination for travel professionals to focus on. By aligning infrastructure investments with cultural offerings, the Middle East is well on its way to becoming a key player in the global tourism industry.