Published on
January 6, 2026
In 2025, the Middle East experienced a significant rise in business travel spending, which increased by 20%. This remarkable growth was largely driven by the revival of M.I.C.E. activities (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), key regional events, and a surge in cross-border corporate engagement. The trend was expected to continue well into 2026, as businesses prioritized strengthening their regional and global connections, setting the stage for more dynamic corporate travel across the region.
Rising Demand for Corporate Travel in UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
Increased corporate travel demand was especially evident in UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, where executives turned to trade fairs and exhibitions to foster new business relationships and strengthen existing ones. It became common for business travellers to extend their stays in these countries, blending their professional obligations with personal downtime, which led to the rise of bleisure travel—a blend of business and leisure. This trend reflects a growing shift towards more flexible work arrangements where employees balance work commitments with the opportunity to enjoy a destination.
The introduction of bleisure travel had a notable impact on the way professionals approach business trips, especially in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, where business opportunities often coincide with the ability to explore the local culture, leisure activities, and the surrounding environment. This blending of business and leisure is indicative of a broader cultural transformation in work-life balance, providing more flexibility to corporate travellers.
Transitioning Towards Strategic Business Travel
The corporate travel landscape in the Middle East is moving toward a strategic model, with more businesses focusing on high-value engagements, such as leadership retreats, innovation forums, and partnership negotiations. This growing emphasis on purpose-driven travel aligns closely with the increasing popularity of bleisure travel. Executives are now seeking to maximize their travel experiences by combining both work and leisure, making each trip more meaningful and productive.
Despite the growing reliance on virtual meetings, in-person meetings in key GCC cities continue to be crucial for fostering trust, facilitating communication, and accelerating business decisions. The presence of these face-to-face interactions remains a cornerstone of successful corporate operations in the region, and these in-person engagements are indispensable for building strong, long-term business relationships.
Growth of the Dubai-Riyadh Route: A Key Business Travel Corridor
Among the standout features of the Middle East’s corporate travel sector in 2025 was the dramatic increase in travel between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, especially along the Dubai–Riyadh corridor. This growth in travel was driven by key industries, including construction, real estate, energy, and technology, all of which saw significant boosts in cross-border corporate activity. The surge in demand for corporate travel also resulted in an impressive 79.3% hotel occupancy rate in the UAE, which was one of the highest globally during the first ten months of 2025.
This high hotel occupancy reflected the growing need for business accommodations in the UAE, particularly in cities that cater to corporate meetings, events, and conventions. As more executives traveled for business, the local economy also saw a positive impact, with sectors related to hospitality and tourism experiencing a direct benefit from this growth.
The Dubai-Riyadh Corridor: Strengthening Regional Connectivity and Cost-Effectiveness
The demand for corporate travel along the Dubai-Riyadh route has made it the busiest and most cost-effective business travel corridor in the GCC. This popular route has seen average fares ranging from US$174 (AED640) to US$233 (AED855), which reflects the growing demand for cost-efficient travel between two of the region’s most important business hubs. As connectivity continues to improve between these key cities, it underscores the need for efficient and affordable travel options that allow businesses to maintain regular contact while managing travel costs effectively.
The improvement in regional connectivity not only facilitates easier travel between key cities like Dubai and Riyadh, but it also highlights the region’s growing importance as a central hub for business and trade in the Middle East. The GCC’s strategic location and business-friendly environment are making seamless corporate mobility more accessible and more integral to business success in the region.
Global Impact: How Middle Eastern Corporate Travel Trends Are Changing the Landscape
The sharp rise in business travel spending across the Middle East has substantial global implications. As the trend of bleisure travel continues to gain traction, destinations that can provide both business facilities and leisure activities will become increasingly attractive to corporate travellers. This shift will have a profound impact on the hospitality and transportation sectors, which will see increased demand for both corporate accommodations and leisure offerings. Cities that cater to M.I.C.E. events and bleisure experiences are well-positioned to benefit from an influx of business travellers, who tend to stay longer and spend more compared to typical leisure tourists.
Additionally, the growing demand for corporate travel will drive further investment in local infrastructure, particularly in regions that attract a high volume of business visitors. As cities invest in improving facilities for M.I.C.E. events, they will also see long-term economic benefits, both through increased hotel bookings and the growing demand for transportation services.
Key Takeaways from Corporate Travel Growth
- 20% increase in business travel spending across the Middle East in 2025.
- Increasing demand for trade fairs, exhibitions, and high-value business engagements.
- Dubai-Riyadh route is the busiest and most cost-effective route for corporate travel.
- 79.3% hotel occupancy rate in the UAE during the first ten months of 2025.
- Growing importance of strategic travel, blending work and downtime.
Corporate Travel’s Evolving Role in the Middle East’s Economy
The Middle East’s business travel market is rapidly evolving, with companies increasingly opting for more purpose-driven travel. This shift toward strategic travel places significant importance on leadership forums, partnership negotiations, and retreats. More companies are opting for high-value engagements that not only facilitate business growth but also enhance employee satisfaction by allowing them to combine business commitments with leisure activities. This transformation is driving the rise of bleisure travel as executives seek to make the most out of their professional trips.
The GCC cities are becoming hubs for in-person meetings, which are still considered a vital part of business dealings, especially in a region as dynamic as the Middle East. While virtual meetings have gained prominence, the need for face-to-face interactions is unlikely to diminish, particularly in key sectors like energy, technology, and construction, where relationship-building remains an essential aspect of doing business.
The Future of Corporate Travel in the Middle East
Looking forward, the corporate travel market in the Middle East will likely continue to grow, particularly as cross-border engagements increase and regional connectivity continues to strengthen. As businesses increasingly prioritize bleisure travel, the demand for strategic travel will also rise, as professionals seek more opportunities to balance their work commitments with personal downtime. This dual focus will continue to reshape the corporate travel landscape, allowing business travellers to maximize the value they derive from each trip.
Cities like Dubai and Riyadh will remain central to this evolution, serving as key destinations for both business meetings and leisure travel. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are increasingly seen as destinations where businesses can strengthen their regional ties and meet international counterparts. As these cities continue to cater to the needs of corporate travellers, the future of corporate mobility in the Middle East looks promising, with lasting effects on both the local economies and the global travel industry.
Global Repercussions and Long-Term Effects
The global impact of these trends will be significant, as cities that can provide both business and leisure offerings will attract more international corporate travellers. With the integration of business and leisure, the shift towards bleisure travel is likely to drive more long-term stays, benefiting hotels, transportation services, and tourism industries. Regions that focus on enhancing corporate travel infrastructure and catering to both business professionals and leisure tourists will experience a positive economic impact, benefiting from the increased spending power of business travellers.
As the Middle East continues to embrace these trends, its business travel market will play a crucial role in shaping the future of global corporate mobility, leading to stronger regional ties, greater connectivity, and more seamless travel opportunities for executives around the world.
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