Saudi Arabia and Qatar’s major cities, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Doha, are driving unprecedented growth in global travel demand, leading the tourism surge in 2026.
As 2026 unfolds, three Gulf cities have catapulted into the world’s top 10 destinations for growth in international travel intent. Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, along with Doha in Qatar, are driving Western Asia’s remarkable surge in tourism. This growth is underscored by the findings of global travel intelligence firm Mabrian, which analyzed global air capacity and flight searches to the top 50 airports in each region, covering a staggering 86.7% of international demand.
Mabrian’s insights reveal that Western Asia, including the Gulf states, is experiencing the most substantial upward trend in international travel demand worldwide in the first half of 2026. The region has captured 8.9% of total international inspirational demand, further solidifying its place as a global leader in tourism growth. This surge is largely attributed to the region’s increasing connectivity, economic development, and heightened interest from international travelers seeking unique experiences.
Within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, along with Doha in Qatar, are among the few cities worldwide to have seen a significant uptick in market share. Jeddah ranks fifth globally for growth in travel demand, followed by Doha in ninth place and Riyadh in tenth. These cities have rapidly risen to prominence, offering a blend of modern amenities, rich cultural heritage, and emerging tourist infrastructure that appeal to an ever-growing global audience.
Other cities in the GCC, such as Muscat in Oman and Kuwait City, have also witnessed notable increases in their market share. This growth is indicative of the broader trend across the Gulf, where tourism is rapidly becoming a key economic pillar, aided by ambitious national strategies to diversify economies and boost international visitor numbers.
As travel intent grows, the GCC countries are ramping up their international air capacity to meet rising demand. Air capacity within the region is expected to increase by 3.6% in the next six months compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects the strategic focus of Gulf airlines, which continue to invest in expanding routes and enhancing service offerings to cater to a global audience.
Key source markets feeding this growth include the UK, which has seen a 5.6% increase in demand for Gulf travel; the US, with a 3.3% rise; and Germany and Russia, both up by 7.2%. These increases underscore the growing confidence airlines have in the Gulf’s tourism potential and reflect the region’s rising status as a key global travel hub.
Despite the recent unrest and protests in neighboring Iran, global travel intent towards Gulf destinations remains robust. While there was a brief dip in market share in February 2026, Mabrian notes that demand quickly rebounded in March, even slightly surpassing last year’s levels. This resilience highlights the enduring appeal of Gulf cities, which continue to attract international travelers seeking new, secure, and enriching experiences.
The stability of travel demand in the Gulf is a testament to the region’s strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, marketing, and safety measures. These efforts, combined with the region’s growing global profile, ensure that destinations like Jeddah, Riyadh, and Doha are well-positioned to maintain their upward trajectory.
As 2026 progresses, the Gulf cities of Jeddah, Riyadh, and Doha are expected to continue their impressive rise on the global tourism map. With increasing international air capacity, strong demand from key travel markets, and a stable geopolitical environment, the Gulf region is poised for a landmark year in tourism growth. The significant rise in international travel intent to these cities indicates that travelers are increasingly drawn to the dynamic and diverse experiences offered by the Gulf, setting the stage for even greater success in the years to come.
