MENA rises as global hub for business travel amid digital growth and mega-projects
Regional corporate travel bookings up 40% in 2025, with Saudi Arabia leading demand
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has rapidly emerged as a leading global destination for corporate travel, fueled by economic diversification, digital innovation, and large-scale infrastructure projects, according to a new industry report.
The sector was valued at $18.1 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand 6.1% in 2025, outpacing the global average, UAE-based travel platform Tumodo revealed.
Business travel bookings in the region surged 40% in the first half of 2025 compared with late 2024, with April and May marking peak activity following Ramadan.
Analysts expect the market to reach $270.8 billion by 2030, supported by closer trade links with Europe and Asia as well as the GCC’s fast-paced non-oil sector growth.
Stan Klyuy, Tumodo’s chief commercial officer, noted a “50% year-on-year growth” in activity this year, alongside lower airfares and rising hotel bookings, marking a shift “from recovery to reinvention.”
Much of the growth has been concentrated in the Gulf. Rita Raad, senior principal of strategy and transformation at FTI Consulting, said the GCC’s 4.2% projected economic expansion in 2025-26—compared with 1.5% in Europe—highlights the region’s growing global importance.
She pointed to Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects, including Neom, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea development, as key drivers attracting consultants, engineers, and global investors.
Hassan Malik, partner at Deloitte Middle East, described the transformation as “a remarkable rebound and reinvention in corporate travel,” adding that Saudi Arabia’s large-scale projects were central to the surge.
Similarly, Meshal Al-Faras of Janus Henderson emphasized that Vision 2030’s broad reforms across logistics, finance, and tourism had positioned Saudi Arabia as a magnet for international businesses.
Saudi Arabia topped Tumodo’s 2025 destination rankings with 20% of bookings, followed by the UK (15%), France, and India (10% each).
Regional carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines dominated traveler preferences, with India ranked as the most cost-efficient route.
Another trend reshaping the sector is “bleisure” travel—the combination of business and leisure. Raad reported that a quarter of travelers now extend work trips for personal time, especially younger professionals.
Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Saudia are upgrading services, from premium seating to wellness packages, to meet rising demand.
Sustainability has also become integral to business travel strategy in the region. Tumodo’s platform now enables companies to track emissions, optimize itineraries, and prioritize sustainable hotels and flights, reducing carbon footprints by up to 20%.
Malik noted that GCC states’ net-zero commitments under national strategies are accelerating the adoption of greener travel options.
For investors, the projected $270 billion market signals opportunities across aviation, hospitality, transport infrastructure, and digital platforms.
However, experts caution that risks remain. Raad warned that mega-project overcapacity, regulatory shifts in visas and taxation, and ESG compliance pressures could disrupt returns.
Malik added that infrastructure growth must remain synchronized to avoid bottlenecks or mismatches across airlines, hotels, and venues.
Despite challenges, experts agree that MENA’s blend of innovation, mega-project momentum, and sustainability initiatives cements its rise as a global leader in corporate mobility—positioning the region as a key hub for international business engagement in the years ahead.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
