UAE ranks sixth in Global Muslim Travel Index 2026
Mastercard and CrescentRating have released the 11th edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index, a global ranking of Muslim-friendly destinations. The report projects international Muslim arrivals will reach 208 million this year, up from 196 million in 2025, and rise to 262 million by 2030.
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It estimates annual expenditure at $310 billion. GMTI 2026 evaluates 150 destinations and says they represent more than 98% of global Muslim visitor arrivals.
The assessment uses the Access, Communications, Environment and Services framework. This year's edition adds a stronger focus on AI readiness, digital visibility, smart destination infrastructure, traveler confidence and resilience planning.
The UAE ranked sixth among the top travel destinations for Muslims with a score of 75. The report placed the country in the Trailblazers quadrant, one of 27 destinations identified as leading the way in accommodating Muslim travelers.
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GMTI says the UAE has kept its position as one of the most accessible destinations. The report attributes that position to superior air and land connectivity, world-class airports, efficient public transit and seamless visa policies.
It also says the UAE recorded a perfect score of 100 in the availability of halal dining and prayer places. GMTI describes the country as a pioneer in multilingual visitor support, with trained frontline staff, tourism portals, transit signage and travel guides.
GMTI 2026 says 80% of travelers surveyed worldwide now use AI tools for travel purposes, including finding halal dining options, locating prayer spaces, comparing transport routes and receiving personalized recommendations. The report warns that destinations that fail to digitize Muslim-friendly offerings risk being excluded from AI-driven recommendation systems, even if their physical infrastructure is strong.
It also says closer, safer and more predictable destinations are gaining favor amid fuel costs, geopolitical tensions, airspace disruptions and security concerns, with many travelers shifting toward regional corridors instead of long-haul routes.
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