According to a May 2024 Forbes Middle East article, travel to the Middle East has returned to pre-pandemic levels. Top places to visit include Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Sources attribute the rise to streamlined visa processes, political events, and tourism-related projects.
Beyond Saudi Arabia and the UAE, the region contains a host of places to explore, from the historical wonders of Jordan and Egypt to the cultural richness of Tunisia and Oman and the vibrant modernity of the UAE. In a May 2024 article, CNN stated that Middle East travel was one of the fastest-growing segments in this industry thanks to the cultural landscape.
Relaxed visa policies have also contributed to the increased travel to the Middle East because of some of its countries' relaxed visa policies. Saudi Arabia launched its first tourist visa. Previously, travelers saw challenges when visiting this country - many laws allowed only Muslim pilgrims, business travelers, and resident workers. The government now allows travelers from 49 countries to apply online for a tourist visa.
In Oman, the government eliminated tourist visa requirements. Previously, travelers had to obtain a visa for a two-week trip. Beginning in May 2021, travelers from 103 countries, including the European Union, the US, and the UK, no longer have to apply for a visa for short trips.
Political events that have helped tourism in the Middle East include the UAE and Bahrain signing the Abraham Accords, a peace agreement, in 2020. In addition to cultivating peace between Israel and the two Arab countries and making the region safer for travel, this agreement allows travelers to board flights directly to and from the countries in the peace treaty.
The removal of the Qatar blockade is another political event that has resulted in more travel to the Middle East. In the summer of 2017, Egypt, Bahrain, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia closed their borders to Qatar, severing peaceful relations. The severed relationship also prevented Qatar from using airspace and sea routes in these countries. In May 2021, the blockade ended, allowing less restrictive travel and trade.
Outside of improved diplomatic relations, countries in these regions cater to sustainable tourism-minded travelers. For instance, tourism operators have tapped into Saudi Arabia's rewilding of trees and Oman's green mountains.
In 2021, Yemen began offering trips to Socotra, one of Earth's most biodiverse areas. Experts say that, while the island does not have a tourism infrastructure, it has the potential to become a popular tourist destination. Visitors can find basic accommodations in Hadiboh, the capital, but must camp elsewhere.
Finally, countries in the Middle East offer travelers the opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the diverse cultures in the region. Saudi Arabia, for example, has engaged in multiple projects to improve the country's economic ecosystem. For instance, projects that attract visitors to the country's ancient history include the tombs of Alula, Khaybar, and Tayma. The government is improving Riyadh, on the edge of Saudi Arabia, and Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, because it is the nation's birthplace.
