Gulf oil producers, seeking to reduce their reliance on volatile crude exports, have set an ambitious goal to generate nearly $188 billion in tourism revenues by 2030, according to a GCC official.
In 2023, the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) welcomed a record 68.1 million tourists, who collectively spent $110 billion, said Abdullah Al Rubai, Head of the GCC’s Human and Environmental Affairs Sector. GCC citizens accounted for 27% of the total visitors.
“The number of tourists in 2023 represents 52.9% of the 128.7 million target set for 2030,” Al Rubai told Alsharq newspaper. “Their spending last year amounted to 58.7% of the projected $188 billion in tourism revenues for 2030.”
Tourism as a Key Economic Driver
The GCC states—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and the UAE—have been actively diversifying their economies by investing in sectors such as industry, finance, and tourism. Significant progress has been made in industrial development, particularly in petrochemicals, refined petroleum products, and aluminum production.
Industry sources estimate that over $150 billion has already been invested in the region’s petrochemical and aluminum industries, with further expansion planned.
New Tourism Projects Underway
Speaking to Alsharq, Abdul Aziz Al-Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, revealed that new tourism projects are in the pipeline across the GCC. These plans were discussed at a recent tourism summit in Kuwait, where officials agreed on initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector’s role in economic diversification.
“We have committed to supporting several projects that will enhance tourism across the region,” Al-Mawlawi stated. “Tourism has become one of the key pillars for diversifying income sources and driving economic growth, given its increasing contribution to GDP.”
(Source: Zawya Projects)
