Corporate travel in the Middle East is expected to focus on purposeful, high-value trips in 2026, according to musafir.com.
Companies are prioritising travel that drives strategy, collaboration, and business outcomes, reflecting a shift from routine trips to mission-driven journeys.
2026 trends
Musafir.com identifies several trends shaping corporate travel in 2026:
High-impact travel: Trips will be reserved for leadership meetings, innovation workshops, client co-creation sessions, and deal negotiations rather than routine travel.
MICE growth: Conferences, exhibitions, and industry events will remain key drivers of cross-border business mobility.
GCC connectivity: Travel within Gulf countries is rising as companies operate more seamlessly across regional markets.
Tech-enabled planning: AI-powered platforms will support personalised itineraries, real-time recommendations, and blended business-leisure travel options.
Sustainable strategies: Organisations will consolidate trips to balance cost efficiency and environmental considerations.
2025 performance
The shift towards strategic travel builds on a strong 2025, when business travel spending across the Middle East surged nearly 20%. Musafir.com reported 35% year-on-year growth in its corporate travel business, driven by conferences, executive offsites, and regional expansion.
“We are witnessing a fundamental recalibration of why companies travel,” said Sachin Gadoya, CEO and Co-Founder of musafir.com.
“Business travel is no longer defined by routine movement, but by purposeful moments that drive alignment, trust and outcomes.”
The Middle East’s rise as a corporate travel hub is supported by world-class event infrastructure, regional connectivity, and an expanding calendar of international forums. Cities such as Dubai and Riyadh are increasingly chosen for regional and global meetings, particularly in sectors like construction, real estate, energy, and technology.
“As organisations plan for 2026, the focus is on trips that deliver tangible value. When travel is tied to strategy, it becomes a catalyst for innovation, trust and long-term growth,” Gadoya added.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
