MENA Hospitality Market Booms: Tourism Investments Set to Push Value Beyond US$487 Billion by 2032

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is witnessing one of the most dynamic expansions in its tourism and hospitality history. According to new projections unveiled ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World 2025 in Dubai, the MENA hospitality market is expected to grow from US$310 billion in 2025 to over US$487 billion by 2032, driven by record tourism investments, government reforms, and mega-project development across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt.

Tourism: A Key Pillar of Regional Economic Growth

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the travel and tourism sector will contribute US$367 billion to the Middle East’s economy in 2025, supporting 7.7 million jobs.
International visitor spending is forecast to reach nearly US$194 billion, about 25% above pre-pandemic levels, while domestic travel spending will hit US$113 billion.

This surge reflects both the return of global mobility and the long-term diversification goals set by regional governments under initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030 and Egypt Vision 2030.

Record-Breaking Hotel Construction Across the Region

As of mid-2025, hotel construction in the Middle East reached an all-time high with 650 projects totaling 161,574 rooms. Out of these, 337 projects (86,500 rooms) were already under construction, and another 147 projects are expected to break ground by mid-2026.

Saudi Arabia leads the pipeline with 342 projects (92,000+ rooms).

Egypt follows with 127 projects (28,000+ rooms).

The UAE comes next with 100 projects (25,470 rooms).

Oman and Qatar round out the list with 27 and 16 projects respectively.

Amr El Nady, Head of Hotels & Hospitality MEA at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), noted:

“Saudi Arabia is targeting 150 million tourist arrivals by 2030, while Egypt aims for 30 million international visitors by 2028. Both countries are reshaping their GDP structure through tourism — aiming for 10% and 15% contributions, respectively. Mega-projects like NEOM, The Red Sea Project, and AlUla in Saudi Arabia, and Ras Al Hekma and the New Administrative Capital in Egypt, are leading this transformation.”

These developments create opportunities for global hotel brands and boutique operators to expand, offering experiences from ultra-luxury desert resorts to cultural heritage destinations, aligning with the region’s sustainable tourism vision.

[h2]Investment Appetite Remains Robust