UAE Ranks Among Top Muslim-Friendly Travel Destinations in GMTI 2026
The Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026, released by Mastercard and CrescentRating, forecasts that international Muslim traveler arrivals will increase from 196 million in 2025 to 208 million in 2026, reaching 262 million by 2030. The report estimates annual Muslim travel spending will grow to $310 billion by the end of the decade, highlighting the sector’s rapid expansion.
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The report ranked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the sixth-best destination for Muslim travelers, recognizing its strong performance in halal tourism, accessibility, and Muslim-friendly services. The UAE earned a perfect score for the availability of halal dining and prayer facilities, while its advanced transport network, efficient visa policies, and world-class airports continue to strengthen its appeal.
Muslim Travel Spending Expected to Hit $310 Billion by 2030
GMTI 2026 found that 80% of Muslim travelers now use AI tools to plan their trips, making digital platforms increasingly important for discovering halal restaurants, prayer spaces, transportation options, and personalized travel recommendations. The report warned that destinations failing to digitize their Muslim-friendly offerings risk losing visibility on AI-powered travel platforms.
The study also found that global uncertainty, rising travel costs, and geopolitical tensions are encouraging more Muslim travelers to choose regional destinations over long-haul trips. It concluded that future success will depend not only on providing halal-friendly services but also on making them digitally accessible, reliable, safe, and easy to discover through modern technology.
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