MUSCAT, JULY 8
Oman has secured its place among the world's top 10 Muslim-friendly destinations, ranking 10th globally in the latest Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2026, reinforcing Oman's reputation as one of the leading destinations for faith-based tourism as the global Muslim travel market continues its rapid expansion.
The annual index, released by Mastercard and CrescentRating, ranked 150 destinations representing more than 98 per cent of global Muslim visitor arrivals. It projects international Muslim travel to grow from 196 million arrivals in 2025 to 208 million this year, before reaching 262 million by 2030, with annual visitor spending expected to climb to $310 billion.
Oman received an overall score of 73, placing it alongside Qatar, which ranked fifth, and Kuwait, which came seventh, underlining the Gulf's growing prominence in the global Muslim tourism market.
The report attributes Oman's strong performance to its high level of accessibility. According to the index, this reflects the country's well-developed land transport network, strong cross-border connectivity within the GCC, continued investment in transport infrastructure and increasingly welcoming entry requirements that make travelling to Oman easier for regional and international visitors.
Oman also recorded a perfect score for the availability of prayer facilities and airport services for Muslim travellers, highlighting the country's ability to meet essential faith-based travel needs throughout the visitor journey.
Another area where Oman performed strongly was its appeal to Muslim women travellers, with the report placing Oman among the top five destinations globally in this category. The ranking reflects the country's reputation for providing a safe, welcoming and comfortable travel environment, supported by accessible services and visitor-friendly infrastructure.
The report notes that Muslim-friendly tourism is no longer judged solely by the availability of halal food and places of worship. Increasingly, travellers are looking for destinations that combine accessibility, convenience, reliable services and a seamless travel experience from arrival to departure.
For Oman, the latest ranking reflects years of investment in transport infrastructure, border facilitation and tourism services aimed at enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the country's cultural identity and authentic hospitality.
The report also points to broader shifts in global travel behaviour. Amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, many Muslim travellers are choosing destinations closer to home rather than long-haul holidays, favouring countries that offer stability, ease of access and confidence in travel.
That trend could further strengthen Oman's position, particularly within the GCC, where its extensive road links, modern airports and established tourism infrastructure continue to support regional travel.
With the Muslim travel market forecast to exceed 262 million international arrivals by the end of the decade, the latest GMTI rankings suggest Oman is well positioned to benefit from sustained growth by building on the strengths that earned it a place among the world's leading Muslim-friendly destinations.
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