Saudi & UAE Redefine Travel in Middle East Tourism Growth 2024

In 2024, the region became the strongest-performing tourism destination in the world, with international arrivals rising 32% above pre-pandemic levels. While many parts of the globe are still catching up to 2019’s travel highs, the Middle East tourism growth 2024 has turned the region’s recovery into a record-breaking run.

Saudi Arabia Sets the Pace

At the top of the leaderboard is Saudi Arabia, welcoming a staggering 30 million international tourists in 2024. The kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan is clearly paying off. It’s backed by new mega-projects like NEOM, AlUla’s heritage revival, and easier e-visas for global travelers. Religious tourism remains a strong foundation, but leisure, culture, and business tourism are fast becoming major growth engines.

Dubai Still Dazzles in the Middle East Tourism Growth 2024

Next up, Dubai hit a new high with 18.72 million overnight visitors and cementing its status as one of the world’s most visited cities. Its ability to blend luxury, innovation, and accessibility continues to attract travelers from Asia, Europe, and beyond. With new attractions, major events, and expanding air connectivity, Dubai’s tourism machine shows no signs of slowing.

Egypt Reclaims Its Crown

Meanwhile, Egypt drew 15.7 million visitors, surpassing last year’s record of 14.9 million. Beyond the timeless allure of the pyramids, Egypt’s tourism strategy is diversifying, with the growing focus on Red Sea resorts, Nile cruises, and curated cultural circuits.

The landmark opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in November 2025 — now the world’s largest museum devoted to a single civilization, overlooking the Giza Pyramids and showcasing the full Tutankhamun collection — is set to anchor Cairo–Giza as a must-stay hub. Crucially, it nudges Egypt’s tourism mix toward higher-value, culture-led travel: longer stays in Cairo and Giza, higher per-capita spend, and a stronger year-round draw that reinforces the country’s position as the cultural capital of the region.

Momentum Across the Gulf

Bahrain is eyeing 14 million visitors by 2028, driven by investments in cruise tourism and cultural attractions. Qatar, fresh off its World Cup glow-up, welcomed 5 million tourists in 2024 as it continues to leverage sports, conferences, and cultural events to sustain its momentum, showing a 25% increase from 2023. Even Oman joined the upward curve, with 1.9 million guests staying in 3- to 5-star hotels, marking a 4% year-on-year increase.

Middle East Tourism Growth 2024 is Redefining Travel

So what’s driving this surge? Strategic investment, infrastructure upgrades, and global partnerships are all helping the Middle East redefine what travel in the region means. Tourism is no longer just about oil diversification. Now, it’s about national branding, soft power, and sustainable growth.

The numbers tell a story of transformation: countries that once competed for travelers are now co-creating experiences, linking flights, and aligning calendars around major events and festivals. The Middle East tourism growth 2024 isn’t just recovery, but a reinvention.