The UAE ranks highest globally in halal tourism spending with an estimated USD 17.6 billion spent by UAE residents outside the country during 2017, new analysis from Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has revealed. The analysis was released ahead of the Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES) 2018, which is set to be held in Dubai on 30th-31st October under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

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 USD 16.1 billion in 2017, while Kuwaiti travellers spent USD 10.4 billion during the same year.

The UAE was named as a destination of choice for Muslim travelers 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.

During 2017, Muslim travelers spent an estimated average of USD 1,374 per person, with this amount projected to increase to USD 1,410 by 2020. According to the analysis findings, development in the segment has been fuelled by demographic and socioeconomic factors, such as the growth in the world’s Muslim population and the rise of the middle-class in Muslim majority countries. Other growth drivers include improved access to travel information and the increasing availability of Muslim-friendly travel services and facilities.

According to the findings, spending in the global Muslim-travel segment is currently valued at an estimated USD 180 billion. This figure is forecast to reach USD 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.