The UAE has secured sixth place in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026, highlighting its leadership in Muslim-friendly travel through halal services, digital innovation and seamless visitor experiences.
DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates has been ranked sixth among the world’s leading destinations for Muslim-friendly travel in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the most accessible and welcoming destinations for Muslim visitors.
Published by Mastercard and CrescentRating, the annual report evaluated 150 destinations using the Access, Communications, Environment and Services (ACES) framework. The UAE earned an overall score of 75 and was placed in the Trailblazers category, recognising destinations that continue to set high standards for Muslim-friendly tourism.
The report highlighted the UAE’s excellent transport connectivity, world-class airports, efficient public transport and streamlined visa procedures. It also awarded the country a perfect score of 100 for the availability of halal dining options and prayer facilities, making it a preferred choice for travellers seeking convenient and faith-based services.
The latest index also found that artificial intelligence is transforming Muslim-friendly travel, with 80 per cent of surveyed travellers now using AI-powered tools to plan journeys. These digital platforms help users locate halal restaurants, identify nearby prayer spaces, compare transport options and receive personalised travel recommendations with greater confidence.
According to the report, destinations that make trusted travel information digitally accessible and compatible with AI platforms are likely to attract more visitors in the coming years. The UAE was recognised for offering multilingual tourism services, dedicated travel portals, intuitive transit signage and trained frontline staff, creating a smooth experience for international visitors.
GMTI 2026 also noted that global Muslim travel continues to grow despite economic and geopolitical uncertainty. International Muslim visitor arrivals are projected to reach 208 million this year and rise to 262 million by 2030, with annual spending expected to reach US$310 billion. The UAE’s continued investment in innovation and visitor services positions it strongly to benefit from the growing demand for Muslim-friendly travel.
Malaysia retained the top position in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026 with a score of 82, reflecting its long-standing leadership in Muslim-friendly tourism. Indonesia, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia shared second place with 79 points each, recognised for their strong halal tourism infrastructure, accessibility and visitor experiences. The UAE followed closely in sixth place with 75 points, underlining its growing appeal as a leading destination for Muslim travellers through world-class connectivity, digital innovation and faith-friendly services.
