The business travel sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is growing faster than the global average. The market reached $18.1 billion in 2024, while forecasts indicate a 6.1 percent year-on-year growth into 2025.
According to Tumodo’s research, the volume of bookings in the region grew by 40 percent compared to late 2024. The broader MENA business travel market is expected to hit $270.8 billion by 2030, propelled by strong infrastructure development and digital innovation.
This indicates a higher demand for technologically advanced travel services and expanding business activity within the region. Notably, April and May were the busiest months in the first half of the year, largely due to the return of business travel after Ramadan.
Saudi Arabia emerges as MENA’s most-traveled destination
Tumodo reports that Saudi Arabia was the most-traveled destination in the MENA region, accounting for 20 percent of all business travel, followed by the United Kingdom at 15 percent, France and India at 10 percent each. Finally, trips to Oman amounted to 5 percent of all travel.
These numbers are consistent with global trends reflecting stronger economic ties between MENA countries and European and Asian markets.
Emirates preferred airline for business travellers
In terms of airline preferences, MENA players came at the top of the charts for business travel. Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways were the most frequently chosen by business travellers. The report also revealed that, on average, India remains the most affordable route, while the United Kingdom is the most premium destination, both in terms of airfares and accommodation.
Meanwhile, Dubai remains a major hub in the region, with frequent flights to business capitals like Riyadh, London and Guangzhou. Tumodo has also seen an increase in usage of additional services throughout 2024 and the start of 2025. Specifically, visa support rose by 15 percent, ground transfers by 11 percent, and corporate event bookings by 7.25 percent, all of which signal a growing demand for full-service travel management.
Business travel spending to surpass $1 trillion in 2025
The report also reveals that in H1 2025, the average business travel trip duration remained at just two days, yet many travellers began incorporating leisure elements into their itineraries, reflecting the ongoing rise of “bleisure” travel. Demand for premium accommodation remained strong, with four- and five-star hotels accounting for over 75 percent of bookings.
As global business travel rebounds, industry forecasts project business travel spending will surpass $1 trillion in 2025, with the Middle East seeing one of the highest growth rates globally at 6.19 percent.
