International Muslim travel is projected to reach 208 million arrivals in 2026, up from 196 million in 2025, with the market expected to expand to 262 million travellers by 2030, generating an estimated $310 billion in annual spending, according to the 11th edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) by Mastercard and CrescentRating.
The report, which assesses 150 destinations representing
more than 98% of global Muslim visitor arrivals, highlights a shift in
destination competitiveness toward AI readiness, digital trust and smart
tourism infrastructure.
Around 80% of travellers surveyed now use AI tools to
research and plan trips, making digital visibility and machine-readable travel
information increasingly important for destinations seeking to attract Muslim
visitors.
GMTI warns that destinations failing to digitise
Muslim-friendly services, including halal dining, prayer facilities and travel
information, risk being overlooked by AI-powered recommendation platforms
despite strong physical infrastructure.
The report also identifies a growing preference for regional
and short-haul travel as geopolitical tensions, airspace disruptions and higher
travel costs encourage travellers to choose safer and more predictable
destinations rather than cancel trips.
The UAE ranked sixth globally with a score of 75, retaining
its position among the leading Muslim-friendly destinations.
It achieved a perfect score for halal dining and prayer
facilities and remained one of the world's most accessible destinations,
supported by strong air connectivity, efficient transport networks and
streamlined visa policies.
GMTI 2026 also introduces a new Destination Activation Stack,
combining destination readiness, digital experiences and trust indicators to
measure how effectively destinations convert travel interest into bookings in
an increasingly digital tourism landscape. -TradeArabia News Service
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