The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is witnessing a seismic shift in travel patterns, with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman spearheading a new era of regional mobility. According to recent data released by Dragonpass, a global leader in airport and travel services, the summer of 2025 marked unprecedented growth for several GCC nations—while others, notably the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saw a surprising dip in travel volumes. This transformation signals not just a surge in passenger numbers, but also a profound cultural change in how travel is perceived and experienced across the Gulf.
Saudi Arabia, long known for its religious tourism and oil wealth, is now emerging as a powerhouse in leisure and business travel. Dragonpass reports a remarkable 36% year-on-year surge in travel volumes during the summer of 2025, with June shattering previous records as the Kingdom’s busiest travel month. This spike is closely tied to the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and position Saudi Arabia as a global tourism and business hub. The expansion of airport capacity and infrastructure has played a key role, offering travelers more routes and improved services. As Dragonpass notes, "The surge we are seeing from GCC countries is not only about more people flying, it reflects dynamic economic growth and new international confidence."
Bahrain, a small island nation often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, has experienced the most dramatic growth in the region. Travel activity soared by 208% compared to the previous year, making Bahrain the fastest-growing GCC market, according to both Dragonpass and Travel And Tour World. This surge underscores Bahrain’s evolution into a major regional connector and its amplified role in the Gulf’s tourism strategy. Modern infrastructure and a strategic location have turned Bahrain into a central player in the region’s aviation boom, with further growth expected as investments in connectivity and passenger services continue.
Qatar, too, has seen its star rise on the global stage. The country recorded a 198.9% increase in travel volumes, propelled by new route development and the enduring appeal of Doha as a major events destination. The expansion of Qatar Airways and a series of high-profile international events have helped cement Qatar’s reputation as a top-tier travel hub. As more direct routes open and world-class events draw visitors from across the globe, Qatar is solidifying its place as a leading destination for both leisure and business travelers.
Meanwhile, Oman has quietly established itself as a premium, heritage-focused destination. With an 89.2% year-on-year increase in travel volumes and August 2025 emerging as its peak travel month, Oman’s focus on promoting its rich cultural heritage alongside modern travel infrastructure is paying dividends. Enhanced connectivity through Muscat International Airport has made it easier than ever for tourists and business travelers to explore Oman’s breathtaking landscapes and storied past. This growth highlights the Sultanate’s successful strategy of balancing cultural exploration with state-of-the-art facilities.
In stark contrast, the UAE—long the region’s leading global travel hub—experienced a 21% decline in summer travel volumes. Industry analysts attribute this downturn to shifting seasonal travel patterns and intensified competition from rising neighbors like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar. While the UAE’s world-class airports and broad range of leisure and business offerings still make it a dominant force in the global aviation landscape, the recent dip signals a changing of the guard in regional travel dynamics. As Dragonpass points out, “With new hubs rising and traveler expectations advancing, the region’s airports are scaling up to meet a new standard.”
One of the most striking findings from the Dragonpass report is the cultural shift toward premium travel experiences. Airport lounge access, once considered a luxury, has become an expected part of the travel journey for many GCC passengers. Bahrain now boasts the highest lounge engagement in the world, with 1.35% of all passengers accessing premium airport facilities—far outpacing major international hubs like London Heathrow or Hong Kong. Saudi Arabia follows closely, with 0.86% of passengers enjoying airport lounges, trailed by the UAE, Oman, and Qatar. This trend reflects both the region’s growing affluence and a burgeoning business travel base, as well as ongoing investments in world-class aviation infrastructure.
Andrew Harrison-Chinn, Chief Marketing Officer at Dragonpass, captures the significance of this shift: "Travel is becoming a defining measure of progress in the GCC. Airport experiences play a crucial role in that momentum. Dragonpass is committed to ensuring that as the region’s airports scale up, travelers enjoy a consistently elevated journey wherever they fly." The company is expanding its partnerships and services throughout the GCC to support this next era of regional mobility—one characterized by speed, comfort, and premium experiences.
The broader implications of these changes extend beyond just numbers and percentages. The surge in travel volumes and the embrace of premium services are indicative of a region in transformation—economically, culturally, and socially. The GCC’s newfound appetite for travel, both for business and leisure, is driving a competitive landscape where countries vie to offer the best in connectivity, comfort, and customer experience. This, in turn, is helping to reshape global perceptions of the Gulf, moving beyond traditional narratives to highlight innovation, hospitality, and international integration.
For travelers, the message is clear: the Gulf is open for business—and pleasure—like never before. With more routes, better services, and a rising standard of luxury, the GCC is setting new benchmarks in global travel. Whether it’s the record-breaking growth in Saudi Arabia, the meteoric rise of Bahrain as a regional connector, Qatar’s emergence as a global events hub, or Oman’s successful blend of heritage and modernity, the region is poised for even greater expansion in the years ahead.
As the Gulf’s travel landscape continues to evolve, both residents and visitors can look forward to a future defined by choice, convenience, and a touch of luxury at every turn. The days of simply passing through are over; in the new era of GCC travel, the journey itself is becoming as memorable as the destination.
