SGIE Report 2026: Large-scale investments, destination developments, digitalization continue to boost Muslim-friendly travel
The Muslim-friendly travel sector continues to expand, with Muslim outbound travel spending reaching $249 billion in 2024, up 14.9% from $217 billion in 2023, and projected to reach $424 billion by 2029, reflecting an 11.2% CAGR, according to the State of the Global Islamic Economy 2025/26 report. Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and the UAE remain the largest Muslim travel markets.
GCC countries are deepening commitments across Africa and the Arab world, with the UAE and Qatar deploying multi-billion-dollar tourism and real estate pipelines in Egypt and Zanzibar. Gulf capital is re-engaging with Syria through large-scale aviation, real estate, and infrastructure investments, using tourism-enabling assets as early entry points.
Saudi Arabia’s Umrah ecosystem is becoming the sector’s most advanced digital infrastructure, with the Nusuk platform now mandatory for visa applications, accommodation, and transport booking, complemented by an integrated digital wallet, an AI-powered air-rail booking system, and a forthcoming credit-profile-based visa issuance model.
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