The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are rewriting tourism history, creating smart airports, futuristic resorts and AI-powered experiences that attract travelers around the world.

Published October 31, 2025

The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt are leaders in technology, culture and vision, creating an extraordinary combination of progress for which the history of tourism is being rewritten. Its futuristic, tech-savvy luxury resorts, AI-integrated personalized management of smart airports, and dedicated automation travel advisors have seamlessly increased traveler satisfaction, enchanting global tourists with an unprecedented smart tourism experience. Their tremendous efforts have firmly positioned the Middle East as a new, unparalleled central hub for global tourism excellence as a result of its digital infrastructure, diversity and cultural pride.

Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Saudi Arabia and Egypt are transforming the foundations of global tourism through bold innovation, visionary leadership and record investments. The region’s tourism map is being redrawn as these countries invest billions in smart infrastructure, artificial intelligence and luxury developments designed to redefine how the world travels. What was once a collection of desert landscapes and ancient wonders is now the beating heart of future travel – where technology, culture and ambition converge.

Tourism in the Middle East is at its highest historical levels

The travel boom in the Middle East has become one of the most important success stories of the decade. In 2024 alone, Dubai received 18.72 million international visitors, an increase of nine percent over the previous year. The city’s appeal continues to rise as it combines heritage, modern architecture and an ecosystem of world-class experiences that attract travelers from every continent. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi hosted around 4.8 million hotel guests as of October 2024, recording 26% year-on-year growth, as its luxury resorts, cultural attractions and improved connectivity drive tourism momentum.

Saudi Arabia is witnessing a broader transformation. The Kingdom recorded nearly 30 million international visitors in 2024 – its highest number in history – as new visas, mega projects and global events opened doors to travelers from around the world. From the vast futuristic landscape of NEOM to the historic marvel of Diriyah, Saudi tourism sets new standards in terms of scale and sophistication. Tourism revenues have skyrocketed, contributing tens of billions of dollars to the economy and positioning the country as one of the world’s most dynamic emerging destinations.

Egypt has also regained its position as a major tourist centre. In the first half of 2025, the country welcomed about 8.7 million visitors, representing a 24% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Tourism revenues will reach a record level of $15 billion in 2024, driven by cultural rediscovery and large-scale investments in coastal resorts and infrastructure. Through projects such as the Red Sea development and luxury expansions on the North Coast, Egypt’s tourism revival is helping to boost local employment and global interest in its timeless heritage.

Technology is at the heart of transformation

Technology is driving the development of tourism in the Middle East faster than ever before. Artificial intelligence, automation and biometrics have become essential tools in shaping how travelers plan, navigate and experience destinations. Generative AI now plays a central role in trip planning, with more than a third of travelers around the world using AI platforms to create itineraries. In the UAE, the younger generation has embraced this shift, with the majority expressing their willingness to use AI tools to design personalized trips.

Travel companies in the region are offering intelligent chatbots, automated trip planners, and digital travel assistants able to customize flights, hotels, and excursions in real time. AI systems are also being adopted by airlines and tourism boards to predict visitor flows, manage crowds, and deliver highly personalized marketing. As automation reshapes customer service, the Middle East has positioned itself as a testing ground for travel innovation, where technology enhances rather than replaces the human experience.

Smart airports and seamless travel experiences

Airports across the Gulf have become models of efficiency and innovation. Dubai International Airport has launched an AI-powered immigration lane that processes eligible travelers in seconds, eliminating the need for passports or physical verification. Biometric gates, facial recognition systems and automated security checks have transformed what was once a cumbersome part of travel into a seamless digital experience. These developments are part of Dubai’s larger ‘Smart Travel Unlimited’ strategy, which aims to create a completely borderless and paperless journey for both tourists and residents.

Flydubai, Emirates and other regional airlines are also integrating smart technologies for crew verification and passenger management, reducing wait times and reducing reliance on manual documentation. The goal is clear: to make travel not only faster, but more human-centered. The wider Gulf region is now exploring blockchain-based digital identities, allowing travelers to instantly share verified data at border points and when checking into hotels. This shift points to the approaching future where physical documents will be replaced by universally accepted, encrypted digital credentials.

Blockchain and tokenization: the future of travel trade

Another emerging frontier in tourism in the Middle East is tokenization. Airlines, hotels, and digital startups are experimenting with blockchain technology to create safer and more transparent travel ecosystems. Token reservations and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are used to prevent ticket fraud and unauthorized resale. In the hotel sector, startups have begun developing NFT-based room reservations, allowing travelers to easily transfer or resell reservations.

Cryptocurrency adoption is also gaining ground. Major airlines in the UAE have begun integrating digital payment systems, allowing customers to pay for flights using approved cryptocurrencies. This transformation is in line with regional strategies aimed at consolidating the Gulf’s position as a global center for financial innovation. In the coming years, tokenized platforms are expected to reshape how travelers buy, exchange and experience travel products, ensuring faster transactions and greater flexibility.

Emerging tourism centers and mega projects

While Dubai, Riyadh and Cairo dominate global headlines, new destinations are quickly gaining popularity. The Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 initiative has pushed tourism to its core national agenda. Mega projects such as NEOM, the Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, and Diriyah are reshaping the country’s image and transforming it into a land of luxury, adventure, and sustainability. Diriyah aims to attract more than twenty million visitors annually by the end of the decade through its combination of cultural authenticity and modern luxury.

Oman has been steadily strengthening its tourism identity through long-term projects under Vision 2040. The country’s partnership with leading travel companies is giving rise to new beach resorts and adventure experiences in Dhofar and Muscat Bay. Oman’s focus on year-round sustainable tourism, rooted in its natural and cultural heritage, is attracting increasing numbers of visitors – nearly four million in 2024 alone.

Egypt also continues to expand its tourism offerings. Besides its famous monuments, the country invests heavily in luxury coastal destinations and aviation infrastructure. The mega projects along the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts are designed to rival some of the world’s leading tourist destinations, offering visitors a mix of modern entertainment and ancient culture.

The wave of startups and investment

Behind this regional transformation lies an extraordinary rise in entrepreneurship and investment. Startups in the Middle East and North Africa are attracting unprecedented levels of funding, with hundreds of millions of dollars being directed towards travel technology, e-commerce, and fintech. Saudi Arabia and the UAE remain the dominant players, hosting the majority of investment deals. This influx of capital has created an innovation ecosystem where travel startups are developing AI-powered planning tools, wellness travel platforms, and on-demand experiences that meet the needs of global travelers.

Governments also played a key role in accelerating this growth. Tourism authorities across the region are prioritizing technology-based initiatives, digital adoption, and cross-border collaboration. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has established innovation centers focused on travel and hospitality. Likewise, smart city initiatives and accelerator programs in the UAE continue to attract global companies interested in building the future of travel from the Middle East.

A model for global tourism

The transformation unfolding in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Egypt is not just a regional phenomenon, but a global example of what can be achieved through vision and technology. The Middle East has become a living blueprint for the next generation of tourism – a generation characterized by intelligence, inclusiveness and innovation. From biometric airports to AI-driven flight paths, each initiative reflects a deeper commitment to enhancing the human experience while maintaining operational excellence.

This development also shows how tourism can support economic growth. In a region historically dependent on energy exports, travel has emerged as a cornerstone of diversification and national identity. As millions of travelers flock to new destinations across the Gulf and North Africa, the region continues to prove that technology and tradition can coexist beautifully, providing a model of progress for the world to follow.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are rewriting global tourism by merging technology with vision, building smart airports, futuristic resorts, and AI-driven experiences that are redefining luxury and captivating travelers around the world.

The transformation of travel in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Egypt has reshaped the world’s understanding of what tourism can become when innovation meets ambition. Smart airports are now replacing queues with algorithms, futuristic resorts are redefining comfort, and artificial intelligence is ensuring every trip is personalized. Together, these countries have created a new standard for global tourism – one that blends digital sophistication with cultural spirit. The Middle East is no longer just a destination; It is the future of travel itself – fast, connected, intelligent and irresistibly human.