Outbound tourism from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is entering a decisive growth phase, with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar emerging as the primary engines of expansion. According to market forecasts, the GCC outbound tourism sector is projected to nearly double in value—from USD 70.46 billion in 2024 to USD 138.06 billion by 2033—growing at a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1 per cent between 2025 and 2033.
This sustained rise reflects a fundamental shift in how GCC nationals travel. Increasing disposable incomes, greater air connectivity and evolving lifestyle aspirations are reshaping outbound travel patterns, with travellers gravitating towards premium experiences, wellness-focused journeys and culturally immersive holidays rather than conventional leisure trips.
Aviation Expansion Fuels Global Reach
At the core of this growth lies the GCC’s rapidly expanding aviation ecosystem. Major hubs such as Dubai International Airport, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and Hamad International Airport in Doha have cemented their positions among the world’s leading global gateways. These airports now offer unparalleled connectivity to Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas, significantly reducing travel times and enhancing destination accessibility.
The scale and efficiency of these hubs have transformed outbound travel into a seamless experience, encouraging both frequent and first-time international travellers. Enhanced route networks and increased flight frequencies have played a pivotal role in supporting outbound demand from across the region.
Budget Airlines Democratise International Travel
The rise of low-cost carriers has further accelerated outbound tourism growth. Airlines such as flynas, Air Arabia and flydubai have opened new international routes at competitive price points, making overseas travel increasingly accessible to younger travellers and middle-income families.
This shift has democratised outbound tourism, allowing travellers to explore destinations that were previously considered premium or out of reach. The flexibility and affordability offered by budget airlines have also encouraged short-haul international trips, weekend getaways and multi-destination itineraries.
Easier Visas and Digital Innovation Drive Momentum
Simplified visa regimes and digital travel platforms have removed long-standing barriers to outbound travel. The rollout of e-visas, visa-on-arrival policies and streamlined documentation processes across key destination markets has significantly reduced friction for GCC travellers.
Within the region, initiatives such as the Unified GCC Tourist Visa—covering the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain—are enhancing regional mobility and encouraging more integrated travel planning. At the same time, online travel agencies and mobile booking apps have transformed the way travellers research, book and manage their journeys, offering transparency, convenience and greater confidence in travel decisions.
A Shift Towards Wellness and Experiential Travel
Changing consumer preferences are redefining the nature of outbound tourism from the GCC. Today’s travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are prioritising experiences over traditional sightseeing. Wellness tourism, cultural immersion and personalised luxury experiences are increasingly shaping travel choices.
High-end wellness retreats, health-focused resorts, spiritual journeys and curated cultural tours are witnessing rising demand. Rather than standard beach holidays, travellers are seeking meaningful engagement with destinations—whether through gastronomy, heritage, nature or holistic well-being.
Preferred Destinations Reflect Diverse Aspirations
Southeast Asia continues to gain strong traction among GCC travellers, with Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia benefiting from visa-friendly policies, luxury hospitality and culturally resonant offerings. Europe remains a perennial favourite, particularly destinations such as Switzerland, France and Italy, which appeal to high-spending travellers seeking luxury retail, wellness experiences and rich cultural heritage.
North America, led by the United States and Canada, also retains its appeal, driven by educational travel, shopping, long-stay visits and premium tourism experiences. In response, global destinations are increasingly tailoring products and services to GCC preferences, offering halal-friendly amenities, Arabic-speaking staff and bespoke luxury packages.
Technology Shapes Travel Behaviour
Digitalisation is playing a defining role in the evolution of GCC outbound tourism. Mobile apps and online platforms enable travellers to compare prices, access real-time reviews and customise itineraries with ease. This access to information has empowered consumers, increased transparency and fostered confidence in travel spending.
Social media and influencer-driven content are also influencing destination discovery, particularly among younger travellers, accelerating trends and shaping demand for experiential and visually distinctive travel experiences.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite strong growth prospects, the GCC outbound tourism market faces several challenges. Visa restrictions in select regions, sustainability concerns linked to increased travel volumes and exposure to global economic fluctuations remain key considerations. Geopolitical developments and security perceptions can also influence travel behaviour.
In response, destination marketers and tourism boards are placing greater emphasis on sustainable tourism practices, safety assurances and diversified offerings to maintain GCC traveller confidence.
Outlook: A Transformative Decade Ahead
The outlook for GCC outbound tourism remains overwhelmingly positive. With market value expected to reach USD 138.06 billion by 2033, the sector is poised to play an increasingly influential role in shaping global tourism flows.
Driven by aviation innovation, digital transformation and evolving consumer preferences, GCC travellers are redefining international travel trends. As spending power and mobility continue to rise, outbound tourism from the region will not only benefit established destinations but also create opportunities for emerging markets worldwide—signalling a transformative decade ahead for global travel.
