Gulf tourists redefine their travel priorities

VISITORS SHUN MALLS, EMBRACE ENRICHING EXPERIENCES

- BY JUSTIN VARGHESE

Think Gulf tourism is still all about shopping sprees and beachfront escapes?

Not anymore. A new wave of travellers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar is reshaping the narrative — seeking experiences with emotional and cultural depth, not just luxury and leisure.

That's the focus of a new tourism report by PwC Middle East in partnership with global travel intelligence firm Mabrian Technologies.

Titled "Stay Play Shop: Shaping Integrated Destinations for Connected Visitor Experiences," the report urges tourism leaders to rethink how cities are planned and promoted.

What visitors want