- Gulf tourism showing gradual recovery signs
- Dubai Airport recovered to around 83pc capacity
- Hotel occupancy reached 66pc in August up from 36pc in March
- Inbound Gulf tourism projected to drop 38pc for 2026
- Emirates restored roughly 96pc of network
Gulf tourism operators have hoped for a gradual rebound as the peak season approaches. Dubai Airport has recovered to around 83pc of capacity this month. European carriers including Air France, British Airways, and Lufthansa are preparing to resume services.
Hotel occupancy in Dubai reached 66pc in August up from 36pc in March. The figure remains below the previous year’s levels. Analyst estimates project revenue per available room in the region could rise about 70pc for Marriott and 65pc for Hilton in the fourth quarter from second quarter levels. Business remains below pre-conflict figures.
More than 23,000 flights were cancelled within the initial phase of the conflict as regional airspace closed. Inbound tourist arrivals to the Middle East plunged 22pc year-on-year in the first half of 2026. Oxford Economics revised its full-year forecast to project an overall 38pc drop in inbound Gulf tourism for 2026. Carriers like Emirates restored roughly 96pc of their networks. The return of major autumn conventions and events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are expected to accelerate confidence through the end of 2026.
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