The United Arab Emirates is solidifying its position as a leading global destination in the halal tourism sector, driven by advanced infrastructure, a diverse range of tourist services, and rapid digital transformation within the travel industry. As the Islamic tourism market experiences robust global growth, factors like artificial intelligence and digital trust are becoming crucial in shaping travel decisions and planning journeys. The latest Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), published by Mastercard and CrescentRating, indicates that the number of international Muslim travelers is expected to rise to 208 million in 2026 from 196 million in 2025, reaching 262 million by 2030, with an estimated annual spending of around $310 billion. This reflects the expanding size of the sector and its increasing influence on the global tourism industry.
Digital Transformation in Halal Tourism
The report highlights a qualitative shift in the competition among tourist destinations, moving beyond traditional service availability to include digital readiness, accessibility of information via artificial intelligence systems, and the reliability of data provided to travelers. This redefines the concept of “tourist destination” in the digital age. In this context, the UAE ranked sixth globally among top destinations suitable for Muslim travelers, achieving a score of 75 points. It was classified in the report as a “Trailblazer” destination, showcasing its capability to combine high-quality tourist services with continuous infrastructure development and an overall enjoyable travel experience.
Outstanding Accessibility and Services
The country has maintained its leading global position in accessibility, supported by an advanced air transport network, flexible visa procedures, and a highly efficient transportation system. It earned a perfect score of 100 points for halal food availability and prayer facilities, further enhancing its appeal as a preferred destination for Muslim travelers from around the globe. The report indicates that halal tourism is entering a new phase increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence, with approximately 80% of travelers worldwide utilizing smart digital tools to plan their trips—from selecting destinations to identifying halal restaurants and prayer locations, making digital data a vital element in attracting visitors.
The Importance of Data and Smart Technologies
Destinations failing to keep pace with the digital shift may struggle to emerge in smart recommendation systems, even if they boast robust infrastructure. Conversely, locations that offer accurate, processable data gain a competitive edge in attracting tourism demand. The UAE serves as an advanced model in this regard, leveraging multilingual digital solutions, developing smart tourism services, and providing supportive digital infrastructure that enhances the visitor experience from arrival to departure, fostering a sense of trust, comfort, and cultural integration among tourists.
A Regional Hub for Safe Travel
Amid rising geopolitical tensions and increasing global travel costs, the report notes a behavioral shift in travelers towards what is termed “regional mobility.” This trend underscores the growing importance of nearby, safe, and stable destinations, enhancing the UAE’s attractiveness as a key regional hub for tourism. Consequently, the competition among tourist destinations is shifting from merely providing services to showcasing themselves within intelligent digital systems and converting interest into actual bookings. This places the UAE at the forefront of the new generation of global tourist destinations driven by data and artificial intelligence.