TLDR: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rapidly solidifying its position as a premier global business travel hub, driven by significant digital transformation, robust economic growth, and substantial infrastructure development. The sector, valued at $18.1 billion in 2024, is projected to grow by 6.1 percent in 2025, with forecasts indicating a market size of $270.8 billion by 2030. Saudi Arabia leads as the top destination, while digital innovations, including AI-driven tools, are enhancing travel efficiency.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is experiencing an unprecedented surge in business travel, establishing itself as a global hotspot for corporate tourism. This growth is underpinned by a powerful combination of digital innovation, economic diversification, and strategic infrastructure investments across the region. According to a report by UAE-based travel platform Tumodo, the MENA business travel market reached an impressive $18.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand by a robust 6.1 percent year-on-year in 2025, significantly outpacing the global average. The broader market is anticipated to soar to $270.8 billion by 2030.
Stan Klyuy, chief commercial officer of Tumodo, highlighted this transformative period, stating, ‘The impressive 50 percent year-on-year growth we’ve seen this year signals a shift from recovery to reinvention.’ He also noted a 12 percent decrease in average airfares and a 2 percent increase in hotel bookings.
Rita Raad, senior principal of strategy and transformation of the public sector at FTI Consulting, further elaborated on the region’s appeal in an interview with Arab News. She explained that ‘The 40 percent surge in business travel bookings to MENA in the first half of 2025 reflects a powerful mix of regional momentum and shifting global priorities.’ Raad pointed out that much of this growth is concentrated in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where the economy is expected to grow by 4.2 percent in 2025-26, significantly higher than Europe’s projected 1.5 percent. This growth is fueled by a 3.7 percent expansion in the non-oil sector and ongoing diversification efforts.
Key drivers of this boom include extensive infrastructure development, such as modern airports, highways, and luxury hotels, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Digital innovation also plays a crucial role, with governments and businesses leveraging advanced technologies like AI, smart city solutions, and automated systems to streamline business travel logistics. Cities like Dubai and Riyadh are at the forefront, offering ‘smart airport’ experiences, digital visa processing, and AI-driven booking tools to enhance efficiency for professionals.
Travel data from Tumodo’s report indicates that Saudi Arabia emerged as the most-traveled business destination within the MENA region, accounting for 20 percent of all business travel. It was followed by the UK (15 percent), and France and India (each at 10 percent). Oman also contributed 5 percent to regional business travel. In terms of airline preferences, regional carriers like Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways were the most frequently chosen. India was identified as the most affordable route, while the UK represented the most premium destination for both airfares and accommodation.
The trend of ‘bleisure’ travel, which combines business with leisure, is also on the rise, with many travelers incorporating recreational elements into their itineraries. Demand for premium accommodation remains strong, with four- and five-star hotels accounting for over 75 percent of bookings. This shift is contributing to a steady increase in business travel spending, with global business travel spending expected to surpass $1 trillion in 2025.
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As the MENA region continues its trajectory toward becoming a global leader in business travel, its increasing investments, infrastructure advancements, and digitally connected environment are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of corporate tourism worldwide.
