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The Middle East Tourism Sector Research Highlights

The Middle East Tourism Sector Research Highlights
Analysis

Gulf countries build partnerships to boost regional tourism
OBG
plus

In 2024 the Middle East witnessed the sharpest relative increase in international arrivals of any region in the world, solidifying its rebound from the disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic and further raising its profile as an increasingly attractive destination for inbound tourism. According to UN Tourism, the Middle East, with 95m arrivals, remained the strongest-performing region when compared to…

Overview

Sustained investment to elevate Kuwait’s tourism sector
OBG
plus

A key but often-overlooked pillar of Kuwait’s economy is its tourism, culture and sports sectors – industries now experiencing strong growth as policymakers work to diversify beyond oil and elevate the nation’s global standing. The sectors’ contribution to economic diversification has increased as cultural assets expand, sporting institutions modernise and private participation grows. As the…
Chapter

The Report: Kuwait 2025: Tourism, Culture & Sport
OBG
plus

Tourism, culture and sport are emerging as pillars of Kuwait’s economic diversification strategy, supporting efforts to broaden national income sources beyond hydrocarbons. As part of New Kuwait 2035, policymakers are investing in cultural institutions, recreational infrastructure and modernised sports facilities while encouraging private sector participation. Kuwait’s visitor economy remains selective:…
Country Report

The Report: Kuwait 2025
OBG
plus

Kuwait is advancing a broad reform agenda under the New Kuwait 2035 development plan, aiming to strengthen economic resilience and diversify beyond hydrocarbons. Recent governance and fiscal reforms, including the passage of a new public debt law, are expected to expand financing options and support capital market development. At the same time, investment in infrastructure, logistics, digital tech
Interview

Majed Abdulmohsen Al Hugail, CEO, Cultural Development Fund: Interview
OBG
plus

Interview:Majed Abdulmohsen Al Hugail, CEO, Cultural Development Fund, on efforts to boost investment while maintaining authenticity How can financing in cultural and creative industries be structured to ensure commercial sustainability while preserving authenticity? MAJED ABDULMOHSEN AL HUGAIL: Investment in cultural sites works best when guided by a heritage-first framework. Conservation…
Interview

Abdulaziz Musaed AlSulaim, Group CEO, Cultural Assets Group: Interview
OBG
plus

Interview: Abdulaziz Musaed AlSulaim, Group CEO, Cultural Assets Group, on the importance of local cooperation towards boosting growth In what ways can the tourism and culture ecosystem evolve to expand the sector’s GDP contribution? ABDULAZIZ MUSAED ALSULAIM: To reach a sustainable 10% contribution to GDP, tourism growth needs to be more deeply anchored in cultural and creative content rather…

Analysis

Infrastructure investment underpins tourism growth in Saudi Arabia
OBG
plus

The government positioned tourism as a priority sector in Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s long-term development roadmap, aimed at driving economic diversification and reducing the national reliance on fossil fuel revenue. Cross-government support for the National Tourism Strategy (NTS) and associated legislation has helped accelerate sectoral expansion. Meanwhile, the promotion of Saudi Arabia to a diverse…

Analysis

Centralised digital platform reshapes GCC travel ecosystem
OBG
plus

The travel and tourism sector contributed $247.1bn to GCC countries’ GDP in 2024, heralding a shift within the region from a phase of post-pandemic recovery to one of global leadership. This figure represents a 31.9% increase over 2019 levels, underscoring the success of large-scale diversification strategies across the bloc. The sector is on a trajectory to contribute an estimated $371.2bn to the…

Analysis

Emerging travel destinations leverage technology advancements in tourism
OBG
plus

As emerging markets expand their tourism offerings and diversify visitor source markets, the sector is increasingly shaped by digitalisation, sustainability and long-term resilience planning. Governments and private operators are leveraging technology to improve visitor experiences, manage capacity and align tourism development with emissions-reduction targets, reflecting a shift towards value-driven…

Overview

Increased visitor demand supports tourism growth in Saudi Arabia
OBG
plus

The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia has undergone a significant transformation since the launch of the government’s Vision 2030 national development strategy. Updated policies and higher investment in tourist infrastructure have driven the increase in visitor numbers. Meanwhile, the diversification of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector through the development of strong business, resort and sports tourism…

View More
Featured Sectors in The Middle East
  • Construction
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Featured Countries in The Middle East
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Thailand
  • Oman
Featured Reports in The Middle East
  • The Report: Kuwait 2025
  • The Report: Saudi Arabia 2025
  • The Report: Qatar 2025
  • The Report: Oman 2025
  • The Report: Ajman 2025
  • The Report: Bahrain 2024

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