United Arab Emirates Joins Other Countries in Leading an Unstoppable $116 Billion Middle East Tourism Surge in Astonishing Global Growth Juggernaut

The ATM Travel Trends Report 2026, which was revealed recently, indicates that international visitor spending in the United Arab Emirates , China and Saudi Arabia is expected to grow by about $116 billion (57% increase) from the period 2025-2030, as compared to 2019-2024. The report has been published by Arabian Travel Market in partnership with Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics. The report was presented by Dave Goodger, Managing Director EMEA, Tourism Economics, during the ATM Annual Trends Report: Middle East Momentum & Market Shifts on the Global Stage at the recent edition of ATM held in Dubai.

Global Record Performance in 2025

Global travel reached record levels in 2025, with total visitor nights reaching 24 billion, representing a 16 per cent increase above 2019 levels. In-destination spending worldwide increased by 26 per cent compared with 2019 to reach US$7.2 trillion. International arrivals also exceeded 1.5 billion for the first time.

The Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region served as a major contributor to this growth. Total travel volumes across MENASA in 2025 were almost 50 per cent above 2019 levels, three times the growth recorded globally. Furthermore, the region generated more than half of the worldwide increase in international travel over the same period.

Forecast Rebound and 2030 Projections

While geopolitical disruption is expected to impact Middle East travel during 2026, Tourism Economics forecasts a strong rebound in 2027. International travel is expected to grow by 8 per cent globally next year, compared with 17 per cent across the MENASA region.

Research in the report shows that recovery periods following major travel disruptions have shortened significantly, decreasing from approximately 24 months in the early 2000s to around 10–12 months in recent years.

By 2030, international travel across the MENASA region is forecast to reach:

• 316 million international arrivals, representing a 36 per cent increase compared with 2025.
• 2.3 billion visitor nights, representing a 46 per cent increase compared with 2025.
• US$408 billion in spending, representing a 55 per cent increase compared with 2025.

“We are indeed optimistic about growth,” said Dave Goodger during the presentation. “Over the next five years we see travel expanding on a structural basis rather than just a cyclical rebound. International travel has never mattered more, 2026 is building on a record 2025, and MENASA is outpacing the world.”

Goodger added that while 2026 is disrupted by an uncertain economic and geopolitical backdrop, consumers are treating travel as essential. He stated that people are prioritising experiences over things, which, combined with favourable demographics, rising wealth, and sustained investment in capacity, underpins confidence in the region’s long-term momentum.

Long-Haul Markets and Chinese Tourism

Long-haul markets are expected to drive future growth across the Middle East. Leisure nights spent by travellers from China to the Middle East are forecast to increase by 160 per cent by 2030 compared to 2025 levels.

In addition to key origin markets like China, destination initiatives across Saudi Arabia highlight expanding regional ambitions. The WTM Spotlight in Saudi Arabia will take place from 8 to 10 September 2026 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre (RFECC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, connecting the Kingdom’s growing tourism sector with the global travel industry.

Artificial Intelligence and Technology Adoption

Technology is playing a growing role in the region’s travel industry. Research cited in the report indicates that 91 per cent of Middle East travel businesses are piloting or operating AI within their organizations, with 85 per cent reporting measurable cost savings.

Prospective visitors to the Middle East are also more than twice as likely to have used an AI chatbot to plan a trip, standing at 28 per cent compared with 12 per cent among travellers interested in other regions.

Industry Perspectives on Regional Capacity

Following the presentation, industry leaders participated in the Travel Trends Panel: Why Travel Will Win in the Middle East. Panelists included Eddy Tannous, Chief Operating Officer of Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC, and Tarik Fadil, Vice President of Supply at Agoda, alongside Dave Goodger.

Commenting on Middle East hotel capacity, Eddy Tannous noted that during the 2008 recession, Dubai had around 45,000 keys, whereas today it is closer to 160,000–170,000 keys. He added that Abu Dhabi currently sits at around 55,000 keys. Tannous emphasised that the region’s potential remains far bigger than current numbers suggest.

Tarik Fadil highlighted the Middle East’s dual role as a destination in its own right and an international connectivity hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. He stated that serving the region well comes down to leveraging AI and deepening localisation.

Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director – UAE at RX Global, noted that bringing research and industry perspectives together on the Global Stage gives the community valuable insight into future demand opportunities.

Event Scale and Travel Tech Expansion

The Arabian Travel Market 2026 will take place from September 14 to September 17, at the Dubai World Trade Center. It has expanded by 16 % this year and will host more than 55,000 travel industry professionals from more than 166 countries. This years event is the biggest ever in ATM history. ATM also includes ATM Travel Tech where more than 180 exhibitors from more than 30 countries occupy two exhibition halls. ATM Travel Tech has an 850 sq meter exhibition space devoted to travel and technology where companies showcase their products and services in the areas of AI, VR, AR, Robotics, fintech, and eco technologies and sustainability. There will be a Stage devoted to future technologies as well.