An Arab man standing Edge of the world, a natural landmark and popular tourist destination near Riyadh -Saudi Arabia
The Saudi outbound travel market is undergoing a structural transformation, with projections indicating it will reach $47.8 billion by 2032. As of 2026, the sector is being reshaped by a high-yield demographic of affluent Gen X travellers and large multi-generational families who are trading traditional sightseeing for "participatory" luxury and deep cultural immersion.
This "Saudi Outbound Revolution" is characterised by a move toward high-frequency, long-duration stays, with luxury travellers now favouring "destination hotels" where the resort itself—rather than the city—is the primary motivator. For B2B stakeholders, the 2026 landscape demands a shift toward modular hospitality and specialised recovery services that cater to this group's unique blend of social connectivity and private exclusivity.
Saudi Arabia remains one of the most commercially significant outbound travel markets in the Middle East, underpinned by high travel frequency, strong purchasing power and a growing appetite for premium experiences. According to data from Coherent Market Insights, the Kingdom’s outbound tourism market, estimated at US$27.5 billion in 2025, is projected to reach US$47.8 billion by 2032, underscoring the country’s growing market and highlighting its expanding influence on global travel.
Market indicators show that Saudi residents made around 8.4 million outbound trips in 2024, generating more than US$22 billion in international tourism spend.
For destinations seeking to grow share from Saudi Arabia, understanding destination preferences, traveller profiles and experience expectations is critical.
Short-haul travel: regional destinations dominate
Short-haul travel accounts for a significant proportion of Saudi outbound volume. Proximity, convenience and cultural familiarity remain powerful drivers, particularly for family travel and short breaks. Neighbouring Gulf destinations consistently rank among the most popular choices.
The UAE, led by Dubai, continues to attract strong demand, supported by excellent air connectivity, a broad accommodation mix and a compelling blend of shopping, entertainment and dining. Qatar and Bahrain also feature prominently as short-break destinations, benefiting from ease of access and compact city experiences well suited to weekend travel. Egypt, particularly Cairo, remains another high-frequency choice, functioning as a near-haul destination in terms of travel behaviour despite longer flight times.
Short-haul travel resonates strongly with Saudi travellers due to lower barriers to entry, familiar services and flexible travel formats. Shopping malls, theme parks and large-scale entertainment venues play a central role, making these destinations especially attractive for families during school holidays and long weekends.
Long-haul travel: leisure, luxury and seasonal escapes
Alongside regional travel, Saudi travellers demonstrate robust demand for long-haul destinations, particularly for extended holidays and seasonal escapes. These trips are often family-led and centred on leisure, scenery and iconic experiences.
Western Europe continues to rank highly, with destinations such as the UK, France and Italy firmly positioned as aspirational choices. The UK, in particular, attracts a substantial number of Saudi visitors annually and is associated with strong per-trip spending. Beyond Europe, resort destinations such as the Maldives and Thailand appeal to Saudi travellers seeking relaxation, privacy and nature-focused experiences.
There is also evidence that emerging destinations can gain rapid traction when supported by improved air connectivity and simplified visa processes. Recent increases in Gulf travel to less traditional markets illustrate how quickly demand can shift when access barriers are reduced.
Who is travelling: key segments shaping demand
Saudi outbound travel is driven by two particularly influential segments. The first is the affluent and luxury-focused traveller, with Gen X expected to account for a significant share of outbound spending over the coming years. This group often acts as the primary decision-maker within family travel and places high value on comfort, service quality and exclusivity.
The second major driver is family-led travel, where children increasingly influence destination choice and activity planning. Spending patterns show strong growth in categories linked to family entertainment, reinforcing the importance of attractions and experiences designed for multi-generational groups.
Hospitality preferences: comfort, privacy and cultural alignment
Across segments, Saudi travellers consistently prioritise accommodation that supports family travel and privacy. High-performing properties tend to offer connecting rooms, suites, serviced apartments and multi-bedroom options, particularly for longer stays.
Cultural compatibility also plays an important role. Visible halal dining options, access to prayer facilities and culturally aware service help build trust and repeat visitation. For higher-spending travellers, premium service standards and seamless guest experiences are key differentiators.
Experience demand: what motivates Saudi travellers
Experiences remain central to Saudi outbound travel decisions, typically falling into four broad categories. Urban experiences anchored by shopping, dining and events continue to perform strongly. Family-focused attractions such as theme parks, aquariums and interactive museums are major demand drivers. Nature-based escapes—featuring beaches, lakes, forests or cooler climates—appeal particularly during the summer months. Finally, there is growing interest in “new” destinations and lesser-known experiences, especially among affluent travellers seeking novelty.
For destinations, aligning product development and messaging with these priorities is essential to unlocking the full potential of the Saudi outbound market.
