Why the Middle East is attracting more business travellers
In 2024, Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha recorded a 15% increase YOY in passenger traffic, highlighting the city’s rising importance. This growth is a signal of Doha’s expanding prominence on the global business travel map. For comparison, Dubai International saw a 6.3% increase in the same period.
A factor that will help see a continued rise in traveller numbers is the new Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia partnership, which is streamlining travel between Australia, the Middle East and beyond. This strategic collaboration not only benefits Australian businesses but also enhances travel options for North American, European, UK and Asian travellers, giving them choice and flexibility.
The rise of Doha as a business travel hubDoha’s rise as a global business transit point isn’t just a trend; it’s the result of strategic investments and developments that have positioned the city as a key player in Middle Eastern business travel. Several factors are driving this growth:
- Expanding global network: Doha’s Hamad International Airport has seen the addition of new airline partners, including China Southern, Shenzhen, Garuda Indonesia, and Akasa Air, growing its network to 197 destinations with 55 airlines operating from HIA.
- Qatar Airways’ global reach: As a leading member of the Oneworld alliance, Qatar Airways provides seamless access to over 170 destinations across the globe, offering premium services for business travellers.
- Strategic airline partnerships: The Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia alliance is a prime example of how the region is becoming a central point for long-haul business travel, connecting Australia with major business hubs in Europe, the UK and the Middle East via Doha.
As a result, business travellers now have the option to optimise their travel routes through Doha, which may reduce travel time and offers premium service options exclusive to Qatar not available at other transit hubs.
Fun Fact: Doha’s HIA opened in 2014, replacing the old Doha International Airport. It is the only airport specifically designed to accommodate the Airbus A380, further emphasising the city’s focus on premium travel experiences.
The Middle East is making its mark in the global events and conferences market, attracting business travellers for key industry summits, corporate meetings, and networking opportunities. Cities like Doha and Dubai are investing heavily in state-of-the-art convention centres, luxury hotels, and streamlined business visa processes to ensure they are competitive on the global stage.
- Doha’s MICE growth: The city’s transformation into an events and corporate tourism hub has been accelerated by its success in hosting high-profile events like the FIFA World Cup, Formula 1, and the Web Summit. This momentum continues with a growing emphasis on meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism. Doha’s expanding infrastructure and global events calendar solidify its status as a key business destination.
- Dubai’s continued leadership: While Doha is growing in prominence, Dubai remains a regional leader in hosting business events. The world’s largest airport exhibition and hosting of major global summits like GITEX, Expo and numerous financial industry events ensures Dubai’s position as a key destination for business travel in the Middle East.
As key industries like oil and gas and sectors such as infrastructure, real estate and fintech continue to expand across the region, the demand for business events and conferences in the Middle East will only increase, further cementing its status as a global hub for business travellers.
What this means for business travellersWhile Dubai remains a dominant transit hub, Doha’s rapid rise supported by airline alliances and infrastructure investments gives corporate travellers more flexibility in choosing the most efficient and comfortable transit routes. Interestingly, Doha is within seven hours of flight time to 65% of the world’s population. This central positioning enables more direct routes and minimises layovers, contributing to reduced travel times and fatigue for business travelers.
Here are a few ways these developments positively impact different regions:
- Australian travellers: The Qatar Airways-Virgin Australia partnership creates a more efficient travel route between Australia and major business destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Doha serves as an alternative gateway to traditional European routes.
- North American and European travellers: Doha is emerging as an attractive alternative for Oneworld members, offering competitive connection times, premium lounges, and a growing network of global destinations.
- Asian travellers: Qatar Airways has expanded its footprint in Africa, offering more direct routes and seamless connections for Asian businesses eyeing African markets.
The Middle East’s growing influence in business travel is clear, with cities like Doha and Dubai proving they are key global hubs. As investments in infrastructure, airline networks and event facilities continue, the region’s appeal for business travellers will only strengthen.
The new partnerships and enhanced connectivity are reshaping long-haul travel, offering more efficient routes, premium services, and expanded opportunities for businesses to engage in international markets. For companies and travellers, the Middle East is becoming a vital part of the global business travel landscape, offering flexibility, connectivity and a forward-thinking approach to corporate travel.
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