Riyadh–Dubai leads MENA business travel as regional routes gain momentum – report
Business travel across the Middle East and North Africa continued to increase 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 forum said its latest annual report shows strengthening connectivity within the Gulf, as well as changing business travel behavior that allows for shorter journeys and tighter cost controls.
Tumodo noted that the MENA business tourism market is expected to reach USD 270.8 billion by 2030, supported by economic diversification, large infrastructure investments and the strategic position of the region connecting three continents.
Despite the growing demand, average booking prices have decreased during the year. The average booking price decreased to USD 427.8 in 2025, down from USD 496.6 in 2024, reflecting the increase in regional travel costs. Demand was particularly strong at the beginning of the year, with January and February recording peak activity. Volumes stabilized in spring and summer, dipped in September and rebounded in November, while December data remained partial.
Airfare followed a similar pattern, remaining high at the beginning of the year before easing in late summer and rising again at the start of the fall business season.
Mohanad Nada, Head of GCC at Tumodo, said: “The drop in booking prices amid growing demand clearly shows that regional connectivity in MENA is not only stronger but also more cost-effective. The change reflects the strengthening of economic ties in the Middle East and continued integration in all key MENA markets.”
The route data highlighted the prominence of intra-GCC travel. The Riyadh-Dubai and Dubai-Riyadh routes were among the most active and affordable routes in 2025, with average fares of USD 174 and USD 233 respectively, underscoring the importance of short-haul business travel within the Gulf.
Business travel in the Middle East
The airline’s preferences reflected a mix of premium and low-cost options. Emirates had 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 took 13.2 percent of bookings, while Flydubai accounted for 10.4 percent. Saudia, Pegasus Airlines, Aeroflot, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways made up the rest.
Among all carriers, economy class dominated bookings with 72.81 percent, followed by business class with 25.6 percent. Premium economy and first class remained a niche, reinforcing the company’s broader focus on efficiency and value.
The report also revealed that shortcuts have become the norm. One-day trips make up the largest share of trips, followed by two- and three-day stays. Longer trips of seven days or more account for only a fraction of bookings, which Tumodo says is due to tighter schedules and the growing use of hybrid operating models.
Hotel use showed similar cost control. The average hotel night rate drops from USD 182 in 2024 to USD 171 in 2025, although five-star hotels remain the most popular choice, followed by four-star properties. Airport transfers and visa support were the most frequently chosen additional services, supported by the integration of Yango Rides on the Tumodo platform.
Tumodo said the findings point to a growing MENA business travel market that is increasingly being shaped by regional connectivity, short-haul travel and strategic spending.
