Middle East business travel to grow 6.1% in 2025

The business travel sector in the Middle East is expanding at a faster pace than the global average, reaching US$18.1 billion in 2024 and expected to grow by 6.1 per cent year-on-year in 2025.

 

That’s according to new research by UAE-based B2B online booking platform Tumodo, which saw business travel bookings rise 40% across the Middle East and North (MENA) in the first half of 2025, driven by a surge in travel to Saudi, ‘bleisure’ trends and tech innovation. 

 

The 40% rise in bookings represents a 50% year-on-year increase, a surge that Tumodo describes as a “shift from recovery to reinvention” for the region’s corporate travel sector, with industry forecasts indicating that global corporate travel spending will surpass US$1 trillion this year.

 

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Saudi Arabia most-travelled destination

According to Tumodo’s research, this momentum has been driven in part by a surge in travel to Saudi Arabia, which emerged as the most-travelled destination in the MENA region during the first quarter, accounting for 20% of all business trips. 

 

The UK followed at 15%, while France and India each represented 10% of business travel, and Oman accounted for 5%. 

 

Local airlines dominate

Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and Qatar Airways emerged as the top choices for business travellers in the region, reflecting a strong preference for regional carriers that offer extensive connectivity and premium service.

 

Tumodo’s data highlights that while India remains the most cost-effective route for business travel, the UK stands out as the most premium destination, both in terms of airfares and accommodation.

 

Dubai continues to cement its status as a major business travel hub, facilitating frequent connections to key cities such as Riyadh, London, and Guangzhou.