Middle East travel and tourism leaders recognized in 2026 rankings

The Middle East's travel and tourism sector continues to expand its economic footprint, as highlighted by recent industry recognitions. Forbes Middle East released its Top 100 Travel and Tourism Leaders 2026 list, which saw the UAE lead with 56 entries, followed by Saudi Arabia with 18 and Egypt with eight. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum of Emirates Airline & Group retained the top spot for the fifth consecutive year. Other top leaders include Hamad Al Khater of Qatar Airways Group and Ageel Alshaibani of the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Simultaneously, the World Travel Awards held its Middle East Gala Ceremony in Dubai to honor leading organizations and destinations. Dubai was named ‘Middle East’s Leading Destination’, while Abu Dhabi was recognized as the ‘Middle East’s Leading Business Travel Destination’. Saudi Arabia received awards for ‘Middle East’s Leading Heritage Destination’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Cultural Destination’, with Riyadh named ‘Middle East’s Leading City Destination’. In the aviation sector, Qatar Airways was named ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline’, while Emirates secured titles for ‘Middle East’s Leading Airline – First Class’ and its rewards programme.