UAE climbs to joint second spot in Global Muslim Travel Index as demand surges

KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)

The UAE has cemented its place as one of the world’s leading destinations for Muslim travellers, jumping three spots to a joint second place in the latest Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2025. 

The country shares the second spot with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, each achieving a score of 78, the index showed.

The ranking underscores the UAE’s strategic push to attract faith-conscious tourists through investments in infrastructure, digital innovation, and tailored hospitality - positioning the Emirates as a global hub for halal travel at a time when demand is soaring.

“The UAE offers an environment that seamlessly blends Muslim-friendly services and modern luxury,” the report said. 

“For Muslim travellers, the destination features widespread availability of prayer facilities in public. Halal restaurants and diverse cuisines cater to dietary needs while celebrating Islamic cultures,” it added. 

The annual index which analyses over 153 destinations on various metrics predicts the market for Muslim travel will reach 245 million arrivals by 2030, from 176 million in 2024. The UAE is well placed to capitalise on this trend, as it continues to challenge Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye for the top position. 

The Emirates score highly across the GMTI’s ACES framework - Access, Communications, Environment, and Services - the key pillars used to evaluate the quality of destinations for Muslim travellers. It was particularly strong in “access” where it ranked first, with world-class air, rail, and road infrastructure making the country easily accessible to a large portion of the world’s Muslim travellers. 

Another standout area highlighted in the report is the UAE’s digital innovation in the tourism sector. Initiatives such as smart apps, integrated travel platforms, and real-time digital services have improved both convenience and confidence for faith-conscious travellers, setting the UAE apart from many competitors.

Moreover, the country’s simplified visa processes and targeted marketing campaigns have also paid dividends, broadened the UAE’s appeal, and facilitated a smoother travel experience. Investments in cultural experiences, including museums, heritage sites, and Islamic art centres, were noted for further strengthening the UAE’s offering, catering to a new generation of Muslim travellers seeking experiences that combine leisure with cultural enrichment and religious values.