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DUBAI / WAM
The UAE ranks highest globally in halal tourism spending with an estimated $17.6 billion spent by UAE residents outside the country during 2017, new analysis from Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has revealed.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait ranked second and third, respectively, according to the analysis which was based on recent data from Mastercard and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). According to the findings, Saudi tourists spent $16.1 billion in 2017, while Kuwaiti travellers spent $10.4 billion during the same year.
The UAE was named as a destination of choice for Muslim travellers due to several key factors including its competitive business environment, wide variety of travel and tourism activities, advanced ICT readiness and world-class airport infrastructure.
The analysis was released ahead of the Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES) 2018, which is set to be held in Dubai on October 30-31 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
According to the findings, spending in the global Muslim-travel segment is currently valued at an estimated $180 billion. This figure is forecast to reach $220 billion by 2020, while the number of Muslim travellers globally is expected to increase from the current 131 million to 156 million by the same year.
During 2017, Muslim travellers spent an estimated average of $1,374 per person, with this amount projected to increase to $1,410 by 2020.