UAE Ranks Sixth in Global Muslim Travel Index, Highlighting Halal Dining and Connectivity
Dubai, UAE – The latest edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), released by Mastercard and CrescentRating, has positioned the UAE as the sixth most favored destination for Muslim travelers, scoring 75 points. This report underscores the country’s strengths in travel ease, connectivity, and the availability of halal dining and prayer facilities. The findings indicate a significant shift in the Muslim travel landscape, with international arrivals projected to reach 208 million this year and potentially 262 million by 2030, generating an estimated annual expenditure of $310 billion.
Insights from the Global Muslim Travel Index
The GMTI 2026 evaluates 150 destinations, accounting for over 98% of global Muslim visitor arrivals, using the Access, Communications, Environment, and Services (ACES) framework. This year’s report emphasizes the importance of AI readiness, digital visibility, and smart infrastructure in enhancing traveler confidence and resilience in an increasingly volatile global environment.
The UAE’s ranking reflects its robust halal tourism sector and effective destination marketing strategies. The country has consistently maintained its status as one of the most accessible travel hubs, thanks to its superior air and land connectivity, world-class airports, efficient public transit, and streamlined visa policies. Notably, the UAE achieved a perfect score of 100 for the availability of halal dining and prayer spaces.
The Role of AI in Muslim Travel
The GMTI 2026 report reveals that 80% of travelers globally now utilize AI tools for their travel planning, marking a transformative shift in how journeys are discovered, evaluated, and organized. AI-driven platforms are becoming essential for Muslim travelers, helping them locate halal dining options, identify prayer spaces, and receive personalized travel recommendations. This trend highlights the necessity for destinations to digitize their Muslim-friendly offerings to remain competitive in AI-driven recommendation systems.
The competitive landscape is evolving from mere service availability to algorithmic visibility. Destinations that provide machine-readable, up-to-date, and contextually relevant information will be better positioned to convert travel interest into actual visits.
Importance of Communication in Travel Experiences
Despite the advancements in AI translation and digital tools, direct access to human support and native-language resources remains crucial, particularly for Arabic and English speakers. The UAE is at the forefront of providing exceptional multilingual experiences, employing trained staff, dedicated tourism portals, and intuitive signage to ensure that visitors can navigate services seamlessly and feel culturally included.
Shifts in Traveler Behavior Amid Global Volatility
As global volatility continues to affect travel patterns, Muslim travelers are increasingly favoring closer and safer destinations. Factors such as rising fuel costs, geopolitical tensions, and security concerns are prompting a shift towards ‘home-continent’ mobility. Many travelers are adjusting their itineraries rather than canceling plans, opting for regional routes that offer greater stability and confidence.
Evolving Frameworks for Destination Readiness
The GMTI has tracked the evolution of the global Muslim travel market from a niche segment to a significant economic force. This year’s report introduces the Destination Activation Stack, a strategic model that integrates three frameworks: ACES, which measures foundational preparedness; RIDA, which evaluates responsible and immersive travel experiences; and TRUST, which assesses the signals that convert traveler interest into bookings.
These frameworks illustrate the changing dynamics of Muslim-friendly tourism. Destinations are now evaluated not only on their provision of basic services like halal food and prayer spaces but also on the accessibility, visibility, reliability, and digital discoverability of these services, aligning with traveler expectations for safety, sustainability, and quality experiences.
About Mastercard and CrescentRating
Mastercard operates in over 200 countries and territories, focusing on empowering economies and individuals. The company is dedicated to creating secure, simple, and accessible digital payment solutions.
CrescentRating is recognized as the leading authority on halal travel and tourism, providing insights and guidance to organizations worldwide. Established in 2008, CrescentRating’s services cater to various sectors within the tourism industry, including government bodies and hospitality providers, ensuring they meet the needs of Muslim travelers.
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Published on 2026-07-06 16:16:00 • By the Editorial Desk
