China Inbound Tourism Heats Up as Arab Markets Emerge as Growth Driver
The 2026 Arabian Travel Market ran September 14-17 at Dubai World Trade Centre, with China's delegation exhibiting for a third consecutive year under the "Nihao! China" theme and one of the largest booths among Asian countries. China National Immigration Administration data show inbound foreign arrivals rose 20.4% year on year in the first half, while travel services exports grew 31.1%. In full-year 2025, more than 150,000 Gulf Cooperation Council nationals entered China, up 100.78%, with Saudi and UAE nationals up 110% and 113% respectively. The China Cultural Center in the UAE has organized over 60 Chinese tourism companies for matchmaking with regional firms.
Impact and considerations
Doubling inbound flows from the Gulf, alongside travel services exports leading other service categories, signal a concrete growth channel for inbound operators in product design, hosting capacity and channel matchmaking targeting Middle East source markets.
Key points
- The 2026 Arabian Travel Market was held September 14-17 at Dubai World Trade Centre, with China's delegation exhibiting for a third straight year and drawing wide attention.
- China's pavilion, themed "Nihao! China," was among the largest booths of any Asian country.
- China National Immigration Administration data show inbound foreign arrivals up 20.4% year on year in the first half, with travel services exports up 31.1%, leading the top five service export categories.
- In full-year 2025, more than 150,000 Gulf Cooperation Council nationals entered China, up 100.78% from 2024.
- Saudi and UAE nationals entering China rose 110% and 113% respectively.
- The China Cultural Center in the UAE has exhibited three years running and organized over 60 Chinese tourism companies for matchmaking with regional firms.
- Dubai has advanced its "China Ready" strategy since 2016, using visa-free policy, localization and tailored market tactics to serve Chinese visitors.
- Chinese Consul General in Dubai Ou Boqian said China has rich tourism resources and continues to improve inbound facilitation services.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- 品橙旅游
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 20 Sept 2026, 08:00
- Page published
- 20 Sept 2026, 18:03
- Last updated
- 20 Sept 2026, 08:00
- Original links
- Pinchain Tourism：“中国入境游”持续升温 备受阿拉伯国家青睐 – 品橙旅游 (opens in a new tab)Primary source · zh · Published 20 Sept 2026, 08:00