Arab Aviation Summit 2025: The Future of Aviation and Tourism in the MENA Region

The 12th Arab Aviation Summit kicked off today, February 17, 2025, at the VOCO Hotel Conference Ballroom in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With the theme "Uniting Leaders, Building Tomorrow: Advancing Global Aviation," the summit serves as a crucial platform for policymakers, aviation executives, and tourism leaders to discuss the future of the industry in the Arab world.

This year’s event, hosted by Abdulaziz Al-Duailj, President of the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global aviation. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is investing $100 billion in infrastructure, policy reforms, and innovation to position itself as a leading global aviation hub.

Keynote Address by Bulut Ba?c?: 25 Years of Global Tourism Growth & MENA’s Rising Influence

One of the summit’s highlights was the keynote speech by Bulut Ba?c?, President of the World Tourism Forum Institute (WTFI), titled "25 Years of Global Tourism Growth, Projections & MENA’s Rising Influence." His presentation highlighted the remarkable expansion of global tourism since 2000, the MENA region’s evolution into a global tourism powerhouse, and key predictions for the future.

Key Insights from Ba?c?’s Presentation:

?? The Rise of the MENA Region in Global Tourism

• In 1999, the Middle East attracted only 18 million tourists, but by 2024, this number had surged past 140 million.
• Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are leading the region’s growth, driven by luxury tourism, cultural heritage, religious tourism, and adventure travel.
• Mega-projects like Saudi’s NEOM, the Red Sea Project, and Dubai’s continuous expansion are further transforming the region’s tourism landscape.

?? Aviation as a Catalyst for Tourism and Economic Growth

• 80% of international tourists travel by air, making aviation a critical enabler of global tourism.
• The MENA region benefits from some of the world’s busiest international airports, including Dubai International, Hamad International (Doha), and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport.
• Connectivity is key: Expanding airline routes and easing visa policies will play a major role in unlocking further tourism growth.

?? Predictions for 2050: The Future of Global Tourism and Aviation

• Tourism is expected to reach 2 billion international arrivals by 2050, with the MENA region alone surpassing 500 million arrivals—making it one of the most visited regions in the world.
• Sustainability will become a top priority, with investments in green aviation, sustainable tourism projects, and net-zero emissions.
• AI, digital transformation, and smart airports will revolutionize the passenger experience, making travel more seamless and efficient.

Ba?c? closed his keynote by emphasizing that aviation and tourism must evolve together, with strong collaboration between governments, airlines, and the private sector to ensure long-term, sustainable growth.

Aviation Leaders and Industry Discussions

Beyond Ba?c?’s keynote, the summit featured insightful panel discussions with high-profile speakers, including:

?? Gabriel Semelas – President for Africa & Middle East, Airbus

?? Hugo Espírito Santo – State Secretary of Infrastructure, Portugal

?? Abdul Wahab Teffaha – Secretary-General, Arab Air Carriers Organization

These experts explored trends in global air connectivity, policy reforms, and sustainability initiatives shaping the industry’s future.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision for a Leading Aviation and Tourism Hub

With its ambitious Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to welcome 330 million passengers annually, making Riyadh a global aviation hub. The Arab Aviation Summit remains a pivotal event for fostering collaborations, shaping policies, and driving future growth in the aviation and tourism industries.

The Arab Aviation Summit 2025 will continue tomorrow with further discussions, networking sessions, and high-level engagements on the future of air travel and tourism in the MENA region.