Iran war: Is the tourism boom in the Middle East over?

"The current crisis is an absolute shock for the countries affected in the region. In recent years, several Gulf states have gone to great lengths to promote themselves as safe destinations. There have never been terrorist attacks in Dubai or other emirates like there have been in other Arab tourist hotspots."

"According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Middle East is one of the fastest-growing tourism regions in the world. Last year, nearly 100 million international travelers visited countries such as Egypt and Jordan, as well as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. That figure represents a 39 percent increase compared with 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic."

The tourism industry across the Arabian Peninsula is experiencing a significant downturn following military escalations involving the US, Israel, and Iran. Hundreds of thousands of international travelers have been stranded due to widespread airspace closures across the region. Shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz have also affected cruise operations in the Persian Gulf. This crisis represents a dramatic reversal for Gulf states that have invested heavily in promoting themselves as safe, stable destinations. The Middle East had been experiencing unprecedented tourism growth, with nearly 100 million international visitors in the previous year—a 39 percent increase from pre-pandemic levels. Dubai International Airport alone processed over 95 million international passengers in 2025, reflecting the region's emergence as a major global tourism hub.

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