Business travel across the Middle East and North Africa continued to expand in 2025, with regional routes, particularly between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, emerging as the most active corridors, according to new data from Tumodo.
The UAE-based business travel platform said its latest annual report shows strengthening connectivity within the Gulf, alongside changing corporate travel behaviour that favours shorter trips and tighter cost control.
Tumodo noted that the MENA business travel market is projected to reach USD 270.8 billion by 2030, supported by economic diversification, large-scale infrastructure investment and the region’s strategic position linking three continents.
Despite rising demand, average booking prices declined during the year. The average booking value fell to USD 427.8 in 2025, down from USD 496.6 in 2024, reflecting increased cost efficiency across regional travel. Demand was strongest at the start of the year, with January and February recording peak activity. Volumes stabilised through spring and summer, dipped in September and rebounded in November, while December data remains partial.
Airfares followed a similar pattern, remaining elevated early in the year before easing through late summer and rising again with the start of the autumn business season.
Mohanad Nada, Head of GCC at Tumodo, said: “The fall in the average booking price amidst rising demand clearly shows that regional connections in MENA have become not only stronger but also more cost-efficient. The shift reflects strengthening economic ties within the Middle East and continued integration across key MENA markets.”
Route data highlighted the prominence of intra-GCC travel. The Riyadh–Dubai and Dubai–Riyadh routes were among the most active and affordable in 2025, with average fares of USD 174 and USD 233 respectively, underlining the importance of short-haul business travel within the Gulf.
Business travel in the Middle East
Airline preferences reflected a mix of premium and low-cost options. Emirates accounted for 24.3 percent of all bookings, with an average ticket price of USD 938. IndiGo followed with a 20.4 percent share and an average fare of USD 114, maintaining its position as the leading low-cost carrier. Turkish Airlines captured 13.2 percent of bookings, while Flydubai accounted for 10.4 percent. Saudia, Pegasus Airlines, Aeroflot, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways made up the remainder.
Across all carriers, economy class dominated bookings at 72.81 percent, followed by business class at 25.6 percent. Premium economy and first class remained niche, reinforcing a broader corporate focus on efficiency and value.
The report also pointed to shorter itineraries becoming the norm. One-day trips formed the largest share of travel, followed by two- and three-day stays. Longer trips of seven days or more accounted for only a small proportion of bookings, which Tumodo attributed to tighter schedules and the growing use of hybrid working models.
Hotel spending reflected similar cost discipline. The average nightly hotel rate declined from USD 182 in 2024 to USD 171 in 2025, although five-star hotels remained the most popular choice, followed by four-star properties. Airport transfers and visa support were the most commonly selected add-on services, supported by the integration of Yango Rides into the Tumodo platform.
Tumodo said the findings point to a maturing MENA business travel market increasingly shaped by regional connectivity, shorter trips and disciplined spending.
