GCC tourism could take $32bn hit from Iran conflict  

Tourism revenues losses in the GCC resulting from the US-Israel war against Iran could range between $13 and $22 billion, the GCC secretary-general has said. 

Tourist figures are expected to plunge between 8 and 19 million due to military escalation in the region, state news agency WAM quoted Jasem Albudaiwi as saying. 

Speaking at an extraordinary meeting of the committee of the GCC Ministers of Tourism held on Tuesday, Albudaiwi said that the challenges facing Gulf nations are no longer “a passing circumstance” but rather a true test of the GCC’s ability to ensure continued efficiency and stability of its sectors. 

Data from the Gulf Statistical Centre suggests that GCC countries collectively received more than 72 million tourists in 2025, netting in nearly $120 billion in revenues. 

“The developments we are witnessing today have cast a shadow over the vital tourism sector, impacting travel patterns, the pace of tourism activity and the stability of related markets," he said. 

“[The] escalation necessitates that we all move from traditional coordination to a higher level of practical integration and proactive response, given that the tourism sector in the GCC countries is a fundamental pillar for achieving economic sustainability."

The GCC secretary-general also pointed out that experience has proven that the GCC countries are capable of overcoming all crises and challenges efficiently and effectively, relying on their close ties and effective integration across all fields.

The escalating conflict in Iran is costing the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector a minimum of $600 million per day in international visitor spending, the World Travel & Tourism Council estimated last month. 

Key regional aviation hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain, which collectively process around 526,000 passengers per day, experienced closures and operational disruption amid heightening tension and escalating conflict.