India’s Love Affair With The Middle East

By Arushi Sakhuja  

As Middle Eastern countries look to diversify their economies, moving beyond oil wealth, tourism has emerged as a key focus segment for the governments of the region. The Middle East offers a wide range of experiences that cater to different types of travelers. For those seeking luxury, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are known for their opulent resorts, gourmet dining, and high-end shopping. Adventure enthusiasts can explore the desert landscapes of Oman or enjoy water sports along the coastlines of Ras Al Khaimah.  

From substantial investments in tourism infrastructure to increased regional cooperation, Middle Eastern countries are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to attract international visitors. Indian tourists have emerged as some of the most significant travelers to the Middle East and the GCC. 

Top Destinations 

The UAE stands as the top regional destination, with Saudi Arabia closely following. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), India is Dubai’s leading source market. Bader Ali Habib, Regional Head of Proximity Markets at DET, shared, “From South Asia, Dubai welcomed 1.62 million international overnight visitors from January to June 2024 compared to the 1.60 million tourist arrivals during the same period in 2023. Overall, the results have been remarkable, with Dubai welcoming 9.31 million international overnight visitors in H1 2024, a 9% YoY increase.”

He attributes this surge in tourism to Dubai’s evolving perception as a global tourism powerhouse, offering much more than just luxury shopping and skyscrapers. “Visitors now flock to Dubai for world-class entertainment like desert safaris, cutting-edge attractions such as the Museum of the Future, and authentic Middle Eastern culture in the Al Fahidi Historic District,” he added. Beyond its urban appeal, Dubai offers a range of family-friendly and cultural attractions, including the Dubai Frame, which provides panoramic views of both old and new Dubai, and the Global Village, a vibrant cultural showcase.

Dubai’s strong cultural and historical ties with India have also played a significant role in increasing visitor numbers, fostering a natural affinity for travel among Indian tourists. “With connectivity being a leading enabler, Dubai has direct flights to and from 22 cities in India, making it the highest for any destination in the world. Tier 2 and 3 cities in India are increasingly crucial in driving outbound tourism,” Habib noted. Following closely behind Dubai, Saudi Arabia experienced a 50% increase in Indian visitors in 2023 and aims to attract 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030. India is also a key market for Qatar made up over 10% of the nation’s tourists last year, while Oman has become a major destination for Indian tourists, with 625,000 Indian visitors in the past year.

Philippe Kronberg, Resort General Manager at Shangri-La Muscat, says, “Indians are increasingly choosing the Middle East because it’s close, has easy visa regulations, and offers diverse cultural experiences, shopping, and dining options. Oman, in particular, is a great fit for those looking for unique experiences.” Kronberg adds, “India is a key market for us at Shangri-La Muscat, and we tailor our campaigns to highlight what Indian travellers find most appealing and connect them with the local culture and natural environment. At Shangri-La Muscat, guests can discover Oman’s famous frankincense in its natural form through the resort’s Frankincense Garden. The resort also understands the importance of dining experiences for Indian travellers and excels in hosting wedding events.

Destination weddings are a significant driver of tourism, drawing couples and their guests from around the world to celebrate in breathtaking settings. Shangri-La Muscat is actively involved in this sector, offering specialised services tailored to Indian wedding traditions. The resort’s events team provides unique options such as helicopter or classic car arrivals for brides and grooms, venue buyouts, pre-wedding function spaces, and special kitchen arrangements, including allowing family cooks to use the resort’s facilities  

In Ras Al Khaimah, another major destination for Indian leisure, incentives, and weddings, IndiGo’s introduction of direct flights from Hyderabad, along with its existing direct Mumbai flight, has further accelerated growth in arrivals  

The Facilitators 

One of the key factors driving this trend is the geographical proximity of the Middle East to India. With flight durations as short as three to four hours, the region is easily accessible for Indian travellers. Dubai, in particular, is the most popular city destination for Indian tourists, being just a three-hour flight from Mumbai and Delhi. Airlines have also increased the frequency of flights, offering convenient and affordable options. This ease of travel has made it possible for Indians to explore the Middle East on short holidays or extended weekend getaways. 

Additionally, Indian tourists have shown a growing affinity for luxury travel, and the Middle East has positioned itself as a prime destination for high-end experiences. The region boasts some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts like Atlantis The Palm Alila Hinu Bay, Oman and Shangri-La Muscat, many of which offer bespoke services tailored to the needs of Indian travellers. Cultural familiarity also plays a significant role

in the increasing popularity of the Middle East among Indian tourists. The region’s large expatriate Indian community ensures that visitors can enjoy a taste of home while exploring new destinations. The availability of Indian cuisine in most Middle Eastern countries, along with the celebration of festivals like Diwali, creates a sense of comfort and belonging for Indian travellers. 

The Middle East has also become increasingly accessible for Indian tourists, thanks in part to the ease of obtaining visas. As countries in the region recognise the importance of tourism from India, they have introduced visa policies that are more flexible and traveller-friendly, making it simpler for Indians to visit and explore 

Visa-on-Arrival and E-Visa Options 

Several Middle Eastern countries offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa options for Indian passport holders, significantly reducing the hassle of travel. For instance, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides a visa-on-arrival facility for Indians holding a valid US visa or Green Card, allowing them to stay for up to 14 days. This option is particularly favoured by Indian tourists who prefer spontaneous travel or are frequent visitors to the region. 

Beyond visa-on-arrival and e-visa options, many Middle Eastern countries have streamlined their overall visa application processes for Indian travellers. Saudi Arabia, for instance, has introduced a tourist visa that can be applied for online, with approval often granted within minutes. Qatar has also made strides in easing travel for Indians, offering a free visa-on-arrival valid for up to 30 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days. Similarly, Bahrain provides a multiple-entry visa for Indian citizens, allowing them to stay for up to 90 days.

Recognising the growing number of Indian business travellers and tourists who frequently visit the region, some Middle Eastern countries have introduced extended stay and multiple-entry visa options. The UAE, for example, offers a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for Indian nationals, allowing them to stay for up to 90 days during each visit, extendable once for a similar period, with a total stay not exceeding 180 days in one year. This is particularly beneficial for Indians with family, business interests, or property in the UAE, as it offers greater flexibility and convenience. 

The Real Estate Boom 

The Middle East is increasingly becoming more than just a travel destination for Indian tourists; it is also emerging as a promising market for real estate investment and a potential new home for those seeking residency or citizenship.  The region presents a variety of investment opportunities, ranging from luxury apartments and villas in vibrant cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi to commercial properties in emerging markets such as Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. 

Dubai continues to be a prime choice for Indian real estate investors. The city offers an array of properties, from upscale residential developments to commercial spaces in sought-after locations. Dubai’s real estate market is renowned for its stability and potential for high returns, particularly in areas like Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah. Moreover, the city’s tax-free environment and investor-friendly regulations make it an attractive option for Indians aiming to diversify their investment portfolios. 

Oman has launched a new investor residency programme offering long-term residency permits to foreign investors, including Indians. By investing in real estate or other sectors, Indian nationals can secure a renewable five or ten-year residency permit. 

The growing number of Indian tourists visiting the Middle East has benefited both regions. For India, it has led to more cultural exchanges, economic gains from tourism revenue, and job opportunities in the travel and hospitality industries. For the Middle East, Indian visitors have helped the tourism industry grow, boosting local economies and improving cultural understanding. With ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure and smart marketing, the number of Indian tourists in the Middle East is expected to keep increasing. For Indian travellers, the Middle East offers a great mix of familiar comforts and exciting new experiences.