In a landmark move, the UAE has entered into an agreement with 20 African nations to launch new investment mapping featuring diverse tourism projects in the fields of aviation, logistics, infrastructure and digital transformation.
Shaikha Al Nowais, Secretary-General Elect of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for the 2026–2029 term, revealed that the global tourism and travel sector contributed $10.9 trillion to the world’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 10% of the global economy.
COP30 in Belém (Brazil) will dedicate 19–20 November 2025 to Tourism Thematic Days under the banner “Tourism Climate Action: For a Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient Future.”
The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) launched a promotional roadshow across several Eastern European countries, as part of its ongoing efforts to position Ajman as a leading global tourist destination.
CONNECT.XCITE 2026 MENA concluded its third edition in Abu Dhabi, bringing together selected Chinese luxury travel buyers and premium tourism partners from across the Middle East and Africa for business meetings, networking and destination discovery.
Tourism revenues across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries reached $131.9 billion in 2025, marking an annual increase of 9.7 per cent, while tourist arrivals rose 4.9 per cent to 75.7 million, according to the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf (GCC-STAT).
In Q1 2025, Madinah Region's tourism sector saw 3,877 commercial registrations, up from 2,700 at the start of 2024. This significant growth, including hospitality and travel agencies, represents a 44.8% annual increase, according to the Al Madinah Al Munawarah Chamber.
The Pacific Asia Travel Association’s Annual Tourism Monitor 2026 reports that Asia Pacific international visitor arrivals reached 239 million in early 2026, up 2.9% year-on-year and equivalent to 96.3% of the corresponding 2019 level, as growth moderates.
The Middle East's travel story is often told through regional growth: rising visitor numbers, expanding aviation capacity and sustained investment in tourism infrastructure. But Amadeus booking data points to another important evolution- the emergence of distinct mobility behaviours within the Gulf itself.
The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) concluded its promotional tour across Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE. The tour was executed in cooperation with a select group of partners from the Saudi tourism private sector.
