Luxury Multi-Nation Travel Redefines Middle East

The New Face of Middle Eastern Travel: Multi-Country Journeys and Luxury Experiences

Middle Eastern tourism is undergoing a dynamic transformation, where multi-country traveling and personalized premium experiences play the leading roles. According to the 2025 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Travel Trends report, tourism spending in the region could reach 350 billion USD by 2030, marking nearly a 50% increase compared to 2024.

What is driving this boom?

Travelers today aren't satisfied with just one destination. Multi-country itineraries allow visitors to simultaneously experience the region's traditional culture and futuristic developments. On a single trip, they can enjoy Dubai's modern city luxury, Abu Dhabi's cultural landmarks, Ras Al Khaimah's natural tranquility, or AlUla's ancient heritage.

Luxury, Culture, and Nature – All at Once

Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to play leading roles in experience-focused tourism, particularly in premium services, family programs, and urban attractions. However, less-known but rapidly developing locations like Fujairah and Hatta are gaining attention, becoming favorites among those seeking active recreation and nature-close experiences.

In Saudi Arabia, due to the Vision 2030 program, grandiose tourism projects like NEOM, the Red Sea Project, or AlUla are being realized, attracting adventurous and culturally open travelers. Oman and Qatar – Muscat, Salalah, and Doha – continue to draw visitors with their scenic landscapes, traditional bazaars, and modern infrastructure developments.

Aviation: The Growth Engine

The four largest airlines in the Middle East – Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Saudia – placed orders for nearly 780 new aircraft, clearly showing the region's ambition to become a global flight hub. This not only increases transfer options but also helps with the accessibility of new destinations.

The Rise of Premium Experiences

According to the report, nearly 60% of travelers are willing to spend on luxury experiences when visiting the Middle East, compared to less than 40% who prefer other regions. This trend is reflected in the growing demand for premium accommodations, chauffeur-driven transportation, culinary adventures, and themed excursions.

The demand for high-quality, chauffeured transportation services is increasing sharply: during holiday seasons, up to a 30% increase is expected in airport transfers and intercity travels.

New Markets, New Opportunities

The report also emphasizes that inbound tourism to the Middle East is expected to grow by 13% annually until 2030, while business outbound travel could see an annual 9% growth. Europe still provides the largest number of visitors, led by the United Kingdom and India, but China is also experiencing explosive growth, with leisure tourism spending potentially rising by 130% by the decade's end.

Summary

Middle Eastern tourism is entering a new era: multi-country trips, aviation developments, and the rise of personalized, premium experiences are redefining the region's travel offerings. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, AlUla, Muscat, and Doha are no longer standalone destinations but are part of an interconnected, rich chain of experiences on the international travel map. The traveler of the future increasingly seeks this complexity and diversity – even within a single journey.

(Source: Based on Tourism Economics report.)