Qatar strengthens its position as a leading Muslim-friendly travel destination in GMTI 2026
Qatar ranks fifth globally in the 2026 Global Muslim Travel Index, maintaining its position through faith-friendly tourism infrastructure, digital innovation, and premium hospitality services. The Muslim travel market is projected to reach 208 million international arrivals in 2026, growing to 262 million by 2030 with estimated annual expenditure of US$310 billion.
Qatar has solidified its standing as a premier destination for Muslim travellers, according to the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026, a joint report by Mastercard and CrescentRating. The country retained its fifth-place global ranking with a score of 76, reflecting its integration of high-quality tourism infrastructure with services tailored to Muslim visitor needs.
The nation's tourism appeal rests on several pillars. Qatar has demonstrated capacity to host major international events such as the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and FIFA World Cup 2022 while preserving an experience grounded in Islamic principles. Premium hotels and resorts throughout the country offer halal dining and prayer facilities as standard amenities. Additionally, Qatar ranked second globally for accessibility to Muslim travellers, supported by advanced transport infrastructure, extensive international air connections, efficient digital visa systems, and strengthened regional transit capabilities.
Technology plays an increasingly central role in how Muslim travellers select and experience destinations. The report notes that 80 percent of global travellers now employ artificial intelligence tools for journey planning and research. For Muslim visitors, AI assists in identifying halal dining, locating prayer spaces, comparing transport options, and receiving customised recommendations. Qatar Airways' Sama 2.0 digital concierge exemplifies this trend, combining travel assistance with customer engagement across digital and social platforms.
The broader Muslim travel market presents substantial economic opportunity. International arrivals from Muslim travellers are projected to reach 208 million in 2026 and expand to 262 million by 2030, with estimated annual spending of US$310 billion. The report cautions that destinations failing to make Muslim-friendly services digitally discoverable risk exclusion from AI-powered travel platforms, regardless of physical infrastructure quality. Qatar also achieved recognition as a leading destination for Muslim women travellers, earning a perfect score alongside Kuwait and Oman for prayer facility and airport service availability.
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