UAE Spends $17.6b on Halal Tourism

The UAE ranks highest globally in halal tourism spending with an estimated $17.6 billion spent by UAE residents outside the country during 2017, according to a new report.

New analysis from Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry also revealed that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait ranked second and third, respectively, according to Arabian Business.

Based on recent data from Mastercard and the World Travel & Tourism Council, the findings said Saudi tourists spent $16.1 billion in 2017, while Kuwaiti travelers spent $10.4 billion during the same period.

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, the report noted.

The analysis was released ahead of the Global Islamic Economy Summit 2018, which is set to be held in Dubai next month. GIES 2018, the world's largest and most comprehensive forum dedicated to the Islamic economy, will bring together influential policymakers and experts from around the world to address key challenges and opportunities in the Islamic economy.

The high-level summit is being jointly organized by Dubai Chamber and the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, with Thomson Reuters serving as a strategic partner.

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 travelers globally is expected to increase from the current 131 million to 156 million by the same year.

During 2017, Muslim travelers spent an estimated average of $1,374 per person, with this amount projected to increase to $1,410 by 2020.

Majid Saif Al Ghurair, chairman of Dubai Chamber, said, "Halal tourism is one of the main pillars supporting the continued growth of the global Islamic economy which continues to develop and diversify. The upcoming Global Islamic Economy Summit in Dubai will offer an ideal opportunity to take a closer look at new opportunities and challenges that are emerging in this fast-changing sector."