Georgia is gaining popularity among GCC travellers, recording 145,513 visits in 2025 as tourism growth accelerates. With 7.8 million international arrivals, Georgia’s accessibility, affordability, and diverse experiences are driving Gulf market demand.
The Middle East's travel and tourism sector is forecast to shrink 14.5% in 2026 amid geopolitical disruptions, but the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) expects the region to become the world's fastest-growing tourism market through 2036, led by Gulf economies.
GCC tourism generated $254.7 billion in economic contribution in 2025, attracting 75.7 million visitors and $131.9 billion in inbound spending, as sector growth reached 7.3%, surpassing the global rate of 6.7%, according to the GCC Statistical Centre.
Jazeera Airways has launched a GCC travel promotion, offering up to 50% off fares on flights across the Gulf region. The limited-time offer covers 13 destinations, with discounted bookings available from August 3–8, 2026 for travel through December 12, 2026.
Arabian Drilling, Saudi Arabia’s largest drilling contractor by fleet size, has signed a contract with a new client in the GCC, marking its entry into another regional market. Operations are expected to begin before the end of the third quarter of 2026.
The GCC home entertainment market is expected to grow to $8.9 billion by 2034 with new consumer expectations pushing global technology brands to localise products, content discovery and connected experiences for the region.
Saudi-based Arabian Drilling has announced that it has signed a contract with a new client in the GCC, thus marking its entry into a new Gulf market. The deal follows the early completion of its first international offshore drilling contract and the redeployment of the jack-up rig to another GCC country.
Project awards in the GCC region for the second quarter surged to $59.4 billion, up 30% over last year supported by higher contract activity in Saudi Arabia and Oman, although activity slowed sharply from Q1, according to a report.
The GCC sovereigns’ stable credit quality is backed by strong, hydrocarbon-driven economic recovery in 2027. However, that prolonged geopolitical uncertainty could strain public finances and expose variances in sovereigns' fiscal ability to absorb lengthy disruptions, said S&P Global Rating.
Action Energy Company (AEC) and Kellton have launched a GCC joint venture to deliver AI-powered digital oilfield and IT solutions. The partnership will roll out Kellton’s OPTIMA platform, beginning in Kuwait before expanding to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman.
