The UAE ranks highest globally in halal tourism spending with an estimated $17.6 billion spent by Emirati residents outside the country during 2017, a report said.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait ranked second and third, respectively, WAM reported citing a new analysis from Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

According to the findings, Saudi tourists spent $16.1 billion in 2017, while Kuwaiti travellers spent $10.4 billion during the same year.

Spending in the global Muslim-travel segment is currently valued at an estimated $180 billion. This figure is forecast to reach $220 billion by 2020, while the number of Muslim travellers globally is expected to increase from the current 131 million to 156 million by the same year, the report said.

In 2017, Muslim travellers spent an estimated average of $1,374 per person, with this amount projected to increase to $1,410 by 2020. According to the analysis findings, development in the segment has been fuelled by demographic and socioeconomic factors, such as the growth in the world’s Muslim population and the rise of the middle-class in Muslim majority countries. Other growth drivers include improved access to travel information and the increasing availability of Muslim-friendly travel services and facilities.

"Halal tourism is one of the main pillars supporting the continued growth of the global Islamic economy which continues to develop and diversify. The upcoming Global Islamic Economy Summit in Dubai will offer an ideal opportunity to take a closer look at new opportunities and challenges that are emerging in this fast-changing sector," the report cited Majid Saif Al Ghurair, chairman of Dubai Chamber and member of DIEDC, as saying.

He stressed that the analysis prepared by the Dubai Chamber aims to shed light on key trends reshaping halal industries and the growing importance of halal tourism, adding that the findings also enhance Dubai’s position as a capital for the global Islamic economy.