Indians hold key to Mideast tourism surge

New Delhi: The tourism industry in West Asia, hit by the nearly four-month conflict in the region, is laying strong hopes on India to play a key role for boosting its fortunes. Towards this, countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are launching fresh travel offers and promotions to attract tourists besides working with airlines to add flight capacity.

Industry executives noted that travel demand from India has remained resilient despite the US-Iran war which began February 28.

Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) said the long-term ambition is to welcome 3.5 million visitors annually by 2030, with India playing a ‘central role’ in achieving that goal. “This year, our priority is to sustain India’s double-digit growth. We continue to work closely with our airline partners to increase frequencies on existing routes and explore new ones where possible,” she said.


Harrison said demand from India has also remained strong, with visitor arrivals up 27.5% in May 2026 compared to the same period last year. Throughout the summer months, Ras Al Khaimah's hotels have rolled out deals across a range of properties, including stay five nights and pay for four, complimentary upgrades from bed and breakfast to half board, room upgrades and ‘kids go free’ packages.

Harrison said the upcoming opening of Rotana Ras Al Khaimah- The Mangroves in quarter three of 2026 will add a 'distinctive' hospitality asset strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal for social events and destination weddings, particularly for the Indian market.

Indian travellers typically spend across accommodation, dining, retail and experiences. Indian destination weddings are among the highest-yield segments for Ras Al Khaimah, particularly when they involve hotel buyouts that can fill a resort for several days.

“As international confidence returns and bookings pick up, we would encourage travel advisors to help clients secure their preferred dates and properties sooner rather than later,” Harrison added.

Flight capacity has already returned to pre-disruption levels, with flyadeal launching Hyderabad services on 4 July, and the newly launched Riyadh Air debuting its India operations with with the Riyadh-Mumbai flight from August 4, further strengthening connectivity alongside Saudia, flynas, Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and Akasa Air, said Alhasan Aldabbagh, president of APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority (STA).

"India remains one of Saudi's most strategic source markets. Through initiatives such as our recent 'Spectacular Saudi Beckons' webinar, we continue to engage the Indian market and spotlight attractions including Six Flags Qiddiya City and Aquarabia," said Aldabbagh. "Looking ahead, we have a strong pipeline of trade engagements, campaigns, events and activations planned across India for the remainder of the year," he added.

Saudi is also offering summer deals and offers across some of its most popular destinations, from Rixos in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) to the Red Sea resorts, including Shebara, Desert Rock, Nujuma, InterContinental, and St. Regis. Guests can avail up to 25% discounts, besides added wellness experiences,complimentary breakfast, and kids staying and dining for free at select resorts.

Arjun Chadha, country manager for Oman said Oman continues to expand its tourism offerings with attractions that appeal to Indian travellers for families, adventure seekers, luxury, and leisure visitors. The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Sultanate of Oman, announced its ‘strongest-ever’ January–May performance from the Indian market, with 3,31,365 Indian arrivals recorded during the first five months of 2026, a 36% increase over the same period last year.

Chadha said the Ministry continues to work closely with travel trade partners, airlines, and stakeholders to increase awareness and encourage visitation. "Oman already enjoys strong air connectivity with India, with direct flights from more than 10 Indian cities to Muscat, alongside seasonal and regional connectivity to destinations such as Salalah,” he said. “We remain focused on strengthening tourism demand from India and enhancing the overall visitor experience across a diverse range of travel segments,” he added.

Chadha cited the example of promoting experiences such as Khareef Dhofar 2026, Oman's flagship monsoon season which is aimed at showcasing landscapes, cultural festivities, and family entertainment in Salalah.

Indian travellers flying long-haul through Doha can transform their transit time into a ‘memorable mini-holiday’, says Visit Qatar in a recent promotion. With packages starting from USD 14 per person per night, the programme allows visitors to step out of the airport and experience Qatar’s cultural landmarks, desert adventures, dining scene, and vibrant districts if they have 24, 48, or 96 hours to spare. Highlights include 24 hours at the National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, and Souq Waqif; 48 hours could include the desert excursion to Khor Al Adaid, The Pearl-Qatar, and beach clubs and 96 hours could include Katara Cultural Village, 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, Msheireb Downtown Doha, and other dining experiences.

Abdulla Yousuf, director of international operations at Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) told ET last month that as operating conditions normalise, the emirate remains in “close dialogue” with its airline partners including Etihad Airways and other carriers to explore opportunities for additional capacity and enhanced connectivity.

“India is a market of long-term strategic importance and the fundamentals remain strong,” said Yousuf, adding that the emirate is “well positioned” to support future growth in air traffic. DCT Abu Dhabi also concluded what it referred to as a C-Level trade visit from India including agencies, tour operators, and distribution partners for direct engagement with the emirate’s tourism leadership. A year-round calendar of major concerts and sporting events, trade programmes across India and targeted campaigns are planned to drive demand.