Qatar strengthens its position as a leading Muslim-friendly travel destination in GMTI 2026

Doha, Qatar Jul 6, 2026 ALN: Qatar ranks fifth globally in the Global Muslim Travel Index 2026, recognised for its faith-friendly tourism, digital innovation and world-class infrastructure.

Qatar has reinforced its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for Muslim travellers, ranking fifth globally in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026, the latest report jointly released by Mastercard and CrescentRating. This ranking is a significant achievement, reflecting Qatar’s strategic investments and initiatives aimed at enhancing its appeal to the Muslim travel market.

The Global Muslim Travel Index is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates various destinations based on their suitability for Muslim travellers. This year’s report highlights Qatar’s continued investment in accessible, faith-friendly, and digitally enabled tourism, which is crucial in a rapidly evolving travel landscape. The Muslim travel market is projected to reach 208 million international arrivals in 2026 and grow to 262 million by 2030, generating an estimated annual expenditure of US$310 billion. This growth underscores the importance of catering to the unique needs of Muslim travellers, who seek destinations that align with their cultural and religious values.

Retaining its fifth-place ranking with a score of 76, Qatar was recognised for successfully combining world-class tourism infrastructure with services that meet the needs of Muslim travellers. The country’s ability to host major international events, including the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, showcases its capacity to provide a high-quality travel experience. These events not only attract tourists but also enhance Qatar’s global visibility and reputation as a premier travel destination.

Moreover, the report highlights that Qatar provides a luxury travel experience that remains fully Muslim-friendly. Nearly all premium hotels and resorts in the country offer halal dining options and prayer facilities, ensuring that Muslim visitors can maintain their religious practices while enjoying their stay. This commitment to catering to the needs of Muslim travellers is a key factor in Qatar’s appeal, as it allows visitors to feel comfortable and welcomed.

Beyond hospitality, Qatar ranked second globally for accessibility for Muslim travellers. This ranking is supported by its high-quality transport infrastructure, extensive international air connectivity, streamlined digital visa processes, and expanded transit capabilities that have strengthened its position as a regional travel hub. The ease of travel within and to Qatar is a significant advantage, making it an attractive option for Muslim tourists looking for a convenient and accessible destination.

The report also recognises Qatar as one of the leading destinations for Muslim women travellers. This is particularly noteworthy as it reflects the growing recognition of the importance of catering to the specific needs and preferences of female travellers. Alongside Kuwait and Oman, Qatar achieved a perfect score for the availability of prayer facilities and airport services catering to Muslim visitors, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

GMTI 2026 places a stronger emphasis on how technology is transforming travel, with 80% of travellers worldwide now using artificial intelligence tools to research and plan their journeys. This shift towards digital solutions is particularly relevant for Muslim travellers, as AI is increasingly helping users identify halal dining options, locate prayer spaces, compare transport routes, and receive personalised travel recommendations. The integration of technology into the travel experience is essential for destinations to remain competitive in the global market.

The report warns that destinations that fail to make their Muslim-friendly offerings digitally accessible risk being overlooked by AI-powered travel platforms, regardless of the quality of their physical infrastructure. This serves as a crucial reminder for destinations to invest in their digital presence and ensure that their services are easily discoverable by potential travellers.

Qatar is highlighted as an example of digital innovation through Qatar Airways’ AI-powered digital concierge, Sama 2.0. This service combines travel assistance with customer engagement across digital and social media platforms, reflecting the growing importance of AI in enhancing the traveller experience. By leveraging technology, Qatar is not only improving its service offerings but also positioning itself as a forward-thinking destination that understands the needs of modern travellers.

Communication remains a key factor in destination competitiveness, and the report cites Qatar’s multilingual tourism services, trained frontline staff, clear transit signage, and comprehensive visitor resources as contributing to an inclusive and culturally welcoming experience for international travellers. This focus on effective communication is vital in ensuring that visitors feel informed and supported throughout their journey.

While Qatar remains one of the report’s strongest performers, the Gulf region continues to play an important role in Muslim-friendly tourism. Kuwait maintained seventh place globally, recognised for its safe and accessible travel environment, while Oman ranked tenth, supported by strong regional connectivity and ongoing infrastructure improvements. These rankings highlight the collective efforts of Gulf countries to enhance their appeal to Muslim travellers and contribute to the growth of the region as a hub for faith-based tourism.

Mastercard and CrescentRating noted that Muslim-friendly tourism is evolving beyond the provision of halal food and prayer spaces. This evolution reflects a broader understanding of the diverse needs of Muslim travellers and the importance of creating a holistic travel experience that encompasses various aspects of their journey. The 11th edition of the Global Muslim Travel Index evaluates 150 destinations representing more than 98% of global Muslim visitor arrivals using its Access, Communications, Environment, and Services (ACES) framework. New indicators measuring AI readiness, digital visibility, traveller confidence, and destination resilience have been introduced, further highlighting the changing landscape of travel and the need for destinations to adapt accordingly.

As Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a leading Muslim-friendly travel destination, the implications for the broader tourism industry are significant. The emphasis on digital innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity serves as a model for other destinations seeking to attract Muslim travellers. By prioritising the unique needs of this demographic and leveraging technology to enhance the travel experience, Qatar is not only boosting its tourism sector but also contributing to the global growth of Muslim-friendly tourism.

Looking ahead, it will be crucial for Qatar to maintain its momentum and continue investing in its tourism infrastructure, digital capabilities, and services tailored to Muslim travellers. As the Muslim travel market continues to expand, destinations that successfully adapt to these changes will be well-positioned to thrive in the competitive landscape of global tourism.