Prime Highlights-
- The Middle East travel and tourism sector grew 5.3% in 2025, ahead of the global rate of 4.1%, driven by tourism, business travel, and domestic demand.
- Saudi Arabia led regional growth, supported by strong business travel and rising international visitor spending.
Key Facts-
- The sector contributed US$385.8 billion to regional GDP and supported around 7.1 million jobs across the Middle East.
- Saudi Arabia accounted for US$178 billion, or 46% of the region’s total tourism GDP, making it the largest market in the region.
Background-
The Middle East’s travel and tourism sector grew faster than the global average in 2025, supported by gains in international tourism, domestic travel and business trips, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said.
The sector expanded by 5.3% in 2025, higher than the global growth rate of 4.1%. International visitor spending in the region rose 5.2%, compared with 3.2% globally.
The industry added US$385.8 billion to regional GDP and supported about 7.1 million jobs, showing its strong impact on the regional economy.
Saudi Arabia remained the largest travel and tourism market in the Middle East, generating US$178 billion, or 46% of the region’s total tourism GDP. The country grew 7.4%, ahead of both regional and global averages, while international visitor spending rose 8.2% on the back of strong demand.
Business travel was a key driver of growth. Spending in this segment jumped more than 55% in Saudi Arabia, while across the Middle East it rose 23%, reflecting active corporate and events-related travel.
Other markets also held steady. The UAE recorded US$68.5 billion in travel and tourism GDP, with international visitor spending reaching US$56.9 billion. Jordan and Oman each grew 5.5%, with visitor spending coming in at US$8.5 billion and US$4 billion, respectively.
WTTC said investment in infrastructure, connectivity, and tourism development will be needed to keep this growth on track. It also stressed the value of supporting business travel and higher-end tourism for long-term gains.
WTTC leadership said the Middle East put up a strong showing in 2025, with Saudi Arabia standing out as one of the fastest-growing destinations in the world. The sector, they added, continues to drive economic growth, job creation and international connectivity across the region.
