The Middle East: A Popular Travel Destination for Chinese Tourists
The Middle East had not previously ranked high on the list of popular destinations for Chinese tourists, but this seems to be changing rapidly.
According to the Sedaye Sama News Agency, The Middle East had not previously held a high position among the favorite destinations of Chinese tourists, but recent statistics show that interest in traveling to the region is rapidly increasing, especially during the Golden Week holidays from October 1 to 8. During this period, bookings by Chinese travelers to Doha increased by 441% and to Abu Dhabi by 229%, while Dubai saw a 27% growth in bookings, placing it among the top 10 destinations outside Asia.
The premium economy, business, and first-class sectors in the UAE were highly popular, recording a 133% growth compared to last year, indicating an increase in travel by wealthy Chinese tourists to the region. Flights from China to the Middle East this year have risen by about 25% compared to 2024, and more than 180% compared to 2019, reflecting a significant upward trend.
The popularity of the Middle East has grown due to easier visa policies, direct flight routes, and diverse cultural experiences. Before the pandemic, Dubai and Abu Dhabi were popular destinations among Chinese tourists due to easy visa access and affordable options.
Chinese tourists are interested in luxury experiences, private charters, cultural experiences, and the region’s diverse cuisines. These trips also symbolize their social status and financial ability. However, the challenge for Gulf countries, including Dubai, is offering distinctive and attractive experiences among similar attractions; Abu Dhabi has succeeded better by providing local and cultural experiences, while Dubai has experienced about a 50% drop in Chinese tourist arrivals.
Despite Iran’s efforts to attract Chinese tourists, including visa exemptions, facilitating group travel, and marketing in China, the country has not yet been able to compete with neighboring Middle Eastern countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt due to infrastructure limitations and a limited network of direct flights, resulting in a very small share of Chinese tourists.
