People who travel from the Middle East will get to know cultures and food and places in 2026. This is because it is getting easier to fly to these places. There are also some events happening around the world. More people want to see the culture and nature of these places.
Travel from the Middle East is not about taking short trips to nearby places anymore. Now people who travel from the Middle East are planning trips where they can see many things and go to events and meet local people. They want to have an experience of travel, from the Middle East.
Here are five destinations that are expected to attract strong interest from GCC travelers in 2026, each offering something distinct—from global sporting events to ancient history and pristine landscapes.
As the global travel landscape evolves, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for travelers from the Middle East. With improved connectivity, major international events, and a shift toward experiential luxury, residents in the Gulf are looking further afield while also rediscovering gems closer to home.
1. United States – A Global Event Meets Iconic Travel Experiences
The year 2026 is going to be big for North America because the FIFA World Cup is coming to the United States. This is a big deal for people who love football in the Middle East. They will get to see the tournament in places like the MetLife Stadium or the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. People from the Middle East usually like to see sports events and then travel to famous American places. The FIFA World Cup in the United States is going to be an experience for football fans, from the Middle East. People like to visit New York to see the landmarks. They also like to go to Los Angeles to see the entertainment scene. Some people like to visit parks like the Grand Canyon. Others like to go shopping in outlet destinations in different states. They like to explore New York and other places, like the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles.
For travelers attending international events or planning multi-city itineraries, understanding entry requirements in advance is an essential part of travel planning, especially for long-haul destinations such as the U.S.
3. Germany – Culture, Events, and Ultimate European Summer
Germany is a place to visit if you want to see modern cities and old towns. You can go to Berlin. Enjoy all the cultural things it has to offer. Then you can go to Bavaria. See the beautiful mountains. Germany is a place to visit any time of the year.
In 2026 Germany will be a place for people who like exhibitions, festivals and football culture. Germany will also be a base for travelers who want to visit other European countries that are close by. The public transport, in Germany is very good. It is easy to travel to many cities and even to other countries.
For people from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait who are traveling Germany is usually the place they go to in Europe. This is especially true for trips that’re really long and also include places like France, Austria or Switzerland. If you get all your papers ready ahead of time you can think about all the things you will do instead of worrying about how you will get there. Germany is still a place for people, from the GCC to visit because it has a lot of old things to see and really nice new things too like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait travelers like. From the fairytale-inspired Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria to the vibrant, high-fashion streets of Düsseldorf, there is a distinct rhythm for every type of visitor.
3. Indonesia – Tropical Nature and Spiritual Tourism
Indonesia is a place that people from the Middle East really like to visit. It is a way to travel to Indonesia but it is worth it. Bali is a place for many people to go. However a lot of visitors are now going to places like Lombok, Yogyakarta and Komodo Island because they want to see and do different things. Indonesia is still one of the places to visit in Asia. People like to go to Indonesia because it has interesting things to see and do like visiting Lombok, Yogyakarta and Komodo Island in addition, to Bali.
Indonesia is a place to visit. You can go trekking in the rainforest or hike up a volcano. Indonesia also has wellness retreats and cultural ceremonies. People in Indonesia are very nice to visitors. Many places in Indonesia have facilities that’re suitable, for Muslims. That is why many people want to go to Indonesia. Indonesia has a lot of things to do like rainforest trekking and volcano hikes. That is why people like to go there.
As travel demand increases, travelers are becoming more mindful of entry conditions, seasonal timing, and flight connections when planning trips to Southeast Asia. Indonesia has recently refined its entry protocols to favor quality tourism and longer stays.
4. Armenia – History, Mountains, and Emerging Tourism
If you are in the Middle East and you want to get to a place that is really high up Armenia is the place to go. Armenia is a short flight from the Middle East. When you get to Armenia you will see that it is very different from the desert. Armenia has mountains with snow on them old monasteries and the city of Yerevan has cafes that feel like you are, in Europe.
The country of Armenia is really easy to get to. It is not that expensive. This makes Armenia a great place to visit on a whim. Armenia has a simple visa system. They offer something called an e-visa to people from a lot of countries. This is one reason why Armenia’s a popular destination for people, from the Gulf region. It is easy to get to. It has a lot of culture. The city of Yerevan is the capital of Armenia. Yerevan has a lot of cafes and museums. You can also walk around the city center. Outside of the city Armenia has a lot of places to visit. For example there is Lake Sevan and the Geghard Monastery. Armenia is a place to visit if you want to experience a new culture. The Armenia visa system is easy to use. That is why people like to visit Armenia. Armenia is particularly attractive for travelers interested in photography, religious history, and culinary exploration.
As tourism infrastructure continues to improve, more visitors are researching travel formalities early to ensure smooth entry and flexible itineraries.
5. Oman – Cultural and Authenticity in the Heart of Arabia
The Sultanate of Oman is getting ready for a time of tourism.
The year 2026 is important for Oman because it is when the Gulf countries might start working on travel plans.
Oman wants to be known as the place for nature in this area. The Sultanate of Oman has a lot to offer, like the season in Salalah, which is called Khareef and the fancy resorts in the mountains of Jebel Akhdar.
These places give people a taste of what it is like to be in Arabia and it feels very different from being in a big city. The Sultanate of Oman is a place to visit if you want to get away from the noise of the city and be, in nature. For people who live in the GCC, a drive or a short flight to Muscat is a great way to spend the weekend. People should always check the rules for an Oman visa so they can have a peaceful trip, to the wadis and the pretty coastlines of Oman anytime they want.
Because of its proximity and shared cultural values, many travelers from the region consider Oman an easy international getaway, especially for short breaks or family trips.
In the year 2026 people who travel from the Middle East will probably want to go to places that give them something to think about, like events that happen all around the world and places that are really into culture. They do not just want to go on vacation to have fun. They want to do things like go to a big football game look at old cities and learn about them or just be outside in nature. These five places are good, for people who like to travel because they have the things that these travelers are looking for. Middle Eastern travelers will like these places because they have experiences, global events and cultural depth.
Careful planning—including awareness of travel documentation and entry requirements—plays a key role in ensuring smooth and memorable journeys, especially as international travel continues to expand.