Destinations around the world enable travellers to immerse themselves in new cultures, landscapes, and histories. Whether standing in awe at the ancient pyramids of Egypt, strolling through the bustling streets of Tokyo or basking in the serene beauty of a secluded beach, these experiences captivate our imagination while allowing us to step out of our comfort zones.
As the global tourism landscape continues to evolve, there’s a palpable sense of excitement about the transformative strides being made across the MENA region, particularly within the GCC. These countries have set ambitious goals to diversify their economies away from oil dependency, with tourism emerging as a
cornerstone of this transformation. With visionary leadership and strategic initiatives, I firmly believe that the region is poised to become a global tourism hub by 2035.
What does 2035 look like?
Just imagining what 2035 will look like across the GCC fills me with pride and anticipation. As we look into the future, tourism will be at the heart of our evolution, propelled by visionary initiatives that redefine our economic landscapes and cultural identities.
The year 2035 is not that far away – no further in the future than 2013 is in the past. But I firmly believe it is time enough for the GCC to increase its power as a magnet for the world’s tourists.
Reflecting on our current position
Countries across the GCC have charted ambitious goals under their respective Vision 2030 plans to reduce their reliance on oil and ensure sustainable economic growth through tourism.
Take the UAE, for instance, where our tourism sector is set to command an impressive 12% of the national GDP in 2024. Abu Dhabi, in alignment with the tourism strategy anticipates welcoming 39.3 million visitors by 2030, which is a strategic move that promises substantial economic contributions.
Saudi Arabia has also announced its ’s unwavering commitment to economic diversification. The kingdom witnessed a staggering 56% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2023, aiming for 150 million visitors by 2030, aligning with its National Tourism Strategy. This surge not only contributed over SAR 250 billion to the economy, but also cemented tourism’s role in driving non-oil GDP growth exceeding 7%.
By 2030, the GCC is expected to welcome more than 128.7 million travellers. They will be exploring the GCC with one single GCC visa, similar to the Schengen system, which is something that is phenomenal to see soon. While it will tremendously boost the economy, contributing to GDP and increasing job opportunities, it goes beyond that. It will also be about showcasing our rich cultural heritage, our beautiful landscapes, and our warm hospitality to the world
Building on these numbers, I foresee us surpassing our current ambitions in another decade by 2035. Personally, and as we look beyond the next 6 years, I expect us to see more than 200 million visits and tourism becoming a cornerstone of our economies.
Evolving Facilities and Connectivity
As we think about GCC in 2035, I am amazed by how the region is becoming a shining example of global tourism fuelled by significant investments in infrastructure and connectivity.
Picture a network of railways akin to the European Railway Network seamlessly linking our diverse landscapes and cultures. Add to this the ease of a unified GCC visa, and you have a recipe for enhanced connections and a huge boost in tourism.
In the UAE, enhancing tourism infrastructure is a top priority, showcased by its state-of-the-art aviation facilities. The newly opened Zayed International Airport, with a capacity of 45 million passengers annually, is set to become a leading aviation hub. Meanwhile, the new terminal at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to be the world’s largest airport with a projected capacity to handle 250 million passengers annually by the next decade is further solidifying the UAE’s position as a global aviation powerhouse.
Saudi Arabia’s leap from 27th to 13th in the IATA Air Connectivity Index highlights its aviation advancements as well. Initiatives like Riyadh Air and expansion of King Salman International Airport, along with strategic partnerships like Red Sea Global, also underscores the country’s dedication to world-class travel facilities and global tourism leadership.
It is not just the UAE and KSA, Qatar’s hospitality sector, showcasing Arabian culture and heritage, is also flourishing after the FIFA World Cup 2022. Knight Frank predicts 89% growth, with over 56,000 hotel keys by 2025. The premium hotel segment is also thriving, with 33 projects underway, with Doha hosting 85% of these developments.
Other countries within the GCC are also pouring their efforts into making the region a global tourism hotspot, with Oman and Kuwait are also contributing to its tourism vision. Oman’s new budget airline expands its aviation footprint, while Kuwait’s nearly complete Terminal 2 at Kuwait International Airport demonstrates its commitment to modern transport infrastructure.
Together, we’re shaping the GCC into a global tourism hub. With its strategic location, it offers easy accessibility and connectivity, being just a 3-6-hour flight away from Europe and Asia. The positions the region as an attractive destination for international tourists seeking unique experiences.
Entertainment and culture
As we look forward to 2035, I can proudly say that the GCC is poised to redefine itself as a global hub for unforgettable experiences, particularly in family-friendly entertainment. Our region’s commitment to this vision is driving monumental changes, making it a magnet for travellers seeking world-class attractions, cultural marvels, and family entertainment.
In the UAE, we take pride in saying that we are home to some of the top world-class theme parks and attractions. From awesome worlds of action at Ferrari World and Warner Bros. on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, to the aquatic wonders of Yas Waterworld and the world’s largest indoor marine-life theme Park, SeaWorld, and not forgetting the gravity-defying thrills at CLYMB, we’re creating an array of experiences that rival the best on the global stage. Dubai, of course, adds to this tapestry with Atlantis Aquaventure, IMG World of Adventure, and the vibrant Global Village, each offering a unique slice of entertainment and adventure.
Saudi Arabia is also heavily investing in entertainment destinations. Alongside ambitious projects like Qiddiya Entertainment City, set to become the largest entertainment destination in the region, with its world-class theme parks, including a Six Flags Park and a water park, the kingdom is also developing futuristic attractions like the groundbreaking linear city of future, The Line by Neom, in addition to the The Mukaab, a mega-project that will act as the centrepiece to the New Murabba project. Adding to these, let’s not forget “The Rig,” the world’s first tourism destination on an offshore oil platform, celebrating Saudi Arabia’s oil and gas legacy.
The rise of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism further accentuates our trajectory towards global recognition. Across the UAE, destinations like Yas Island and Saadiyat Island are becoming magnets for international conferences and exhibitions, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. The success of Expo 2020 Dubai, with over 24 million visits, stands as a testament to our ability to host world-class events that captivate and inspire.
Cultural tourism plays a vital role in boosting the contribution of culture and arts to GDP. Architectural projects like Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, and Dubai Museum of the future, along with upcoming attractions like the Natural History Museum provide visitors with insights into the region’s diverse history and cultural fabric. AlUla, Saudi Arabia’s premier destination for leisure and cultural tourism, aims to welcome 2 million visitors and create 40,500 job opportunities by 2035. Kuwait and Oman’s Opera Houses also stand as a prominent cultural landmark in the GCC, attracting tourists with their architectural grandeur and diverse artistic performances.
The region is also attracting global Intellectual Properties globally, which is clearly evident in the influx of Japanese IPs like the upcoming Dragon theme park in Saudi Arabia, and the immersive digital art experiences like teamLab borderless in Jeddah and the upcoming teamLab Phenomena in Abu Dhabi.
Sports as a catalyst
Sports and Esports are pivotal in driving the tourism sector across the GCC. t’s not just about the games; it’s about the transformative impact they have on our region’s global visibility and economic growth.
Take UAE for instance, we proudly host several international sporting events such as the NBA, UFC, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix – which also takes place in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, drawing enthusiasts from around the world. These events are not just about competition, they’re about showcasing our capabilities as a premier destination for sports tourism.
Qatar’s legacy of the FIFA World Cup continues to resonate positively across the GCC. Ahead of the event, hotel occupancy rates soared to an impressive 85%. In 2023, the rates remained steadily above 55%, and Doha’s Hamad International Airport handled just over 20 million passengers. Not to mention, Qatar also saw a significant 31% increase in tourism’s contribution to its GDP, demonstrating the profound economic impact of hosting global sporting events.
By successfully obtaining the rights to host the World Cup in 2034 and planning to host events such as the WWE, Saudi Arabia
is also making waves as a prime destination for major sporting events. Moreover, the recruitment of renowned players like Cristiano Ronaldo by local football club Al-Nassr underscores the GCC’s focus on leveraging sports as a catalyst for global visibility and tourism expansion.
Looking ahead, I can undoubtedly say that the GCC’s inspired approach towards pursuing ambitious visions and embracing innovative strategies will pave the way to emerge as a leading global tourism hub by 2035. Beyond building infrastructure or hosting global events, the region’s leaders are promoting a new way of thinking and pioneering the charge toward a vibrant and sustainable future.
All these measures bring us ever closer to the world of 2035, in which the GCC countries will have fulfilled their visions and have started shaping new ones. I see a region where a visitor can take the train from Abu Dhabi to Riyadh to enjoy a day at Qiddiya, where visitors from every nation will be stimulated by the museums of Saadiyat Cultural District, and where the busy, buzzing airports are the best in the world.
I believe in the future success of 2035 not because it is a vision, but because across the GCC we are doing so much today to build this world of tomorrow. We are also actively building a future, where I can see the GCC including over 750 airport gates and welcoming an estimated 600 million visitors by 2035. Imagine a scenario, where there are more than 15 international airlines, based right here in the GCC, working together to facilitate the journeys of millions of passengers traveling to, from, and within our region. This is the future we are creating, one filled with opportunity and prosperity.
