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.
Visa is highlighting the continued growth of Visa Destinations, its global travel inspiration platform that helps travellers discover unique experiences across some of the world's most vibrant destinations, including Dubai, London, Paris, Singapore, Tokyo, New York and Sydney.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi welcomed 3,127,607 guests during the first half of 2026, further reinforcing the mosque's position as a global beacon that brings together its religious, cultural, and community missions while reflecting the vision of the UAE in promoting the values of tolerance, coexistence, and openness to the world.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched the inaugural Visitor Experience Awards, a flagship annual programme recognising organisations and frontline professionals delivering exceptional visitor experiences across the emirate.
dnata Travel has relaunched its Secret Stays campaign, offering UAE travellers curated luxury escapes with surprise resorts. The Maldives package includes accommodation, meals, transfers and premium benefits, reflecting strong demand for convenient summer holiday experiences.
Armenia has extended its temporary visa-free entry scheme for eligible Gulf travellers until July 1, 2027, allowing qualifying GCC citizens and residents to visit without a visa for up to 180 days, subject to nationality and residency requirements.
Travellers are packing more tours and attractions into holidays despite flat per-person spending in the US and declining spend in Europe, an Arival and Phocuswright report found, with Americans averaging more than four experiences per trip despite shorter stays.
Affluent GCC travellers are booking private flights later than ever, with XO forecasting August 1–2 as the busiest weekend of the 2026 summer season, as flexibility shapes travel decisions amid evolving family and business commitments.
Emirates has introduced a flexible Equated Monthly Instalment (EMI) payment option for customers in India, allowing travellers to book flights to nearly 140 destinations and pay in affordable monthly instalments.
Dubai International Airport expects around 3 million passengers in the first half of July, with daily traffic exceeding 200,000. July 12 is forecast to be the busiest day, handling more than 225,000 travellers as the summer travel peak begins.
