News and Insights
The Future of Global Wellness Tourism: Middle East Emerges as a Leader
January 30, 2025
Learn more about the booming industry at FINN Partner Global Travel’s Wellness Webinar
The wellness tourism industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the Global Wellness Institute projecting market values to reach $1.4 trillion by 2027. What was once confined to luxury niches has evolved into a diverse landscape encompassing everything from age bending and sky-high wellness to immersive culinary escapes, as detailed in our 2025 Future Of Global Wellness Report. This expansion has reached every corner of the globe, with travelers seeking authentic experiences rooted in regional cultural heritage, traditional practices, and indigenous healing methodologies.
As the sector continues to evolve, one question emerges: Who are the frontrunners shaping its future?
While the industry’s breadth allows for multiple leaders across different specialties, the Middle East has emerged as a particularly compelling force. The region’s hotel and spa offerings now constitute an impressive 39.7% of total market revenue, with Saudi Arabia’s wellness economy alone valued at $19.8 billion. The region’s unique value proposition lies in its masterful blend of luxury amenities with innovative wellness concepts like the Mandarin Oriental’s iconic Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, a sanctuary reflective of the region’s rich heritage, or the Sri Lankan retreat brand Santani Wellness Resorts, who has announced plans to develop two eco-friendly wellness resorts in Oman in partnership with the Oman Tourism Development Company.
Beyond its commercial success, wellness has become deeply integrated into Middle Eastern society. The UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have notably incorporated wellness initiatives into their national visions, demonstrating a commitment to population health that extends beyond tourism.
For travelers seeking transformative experiences, the Middle East offers a rich tapestry of wellness traditions. The UAE, in particular, presents a diverse array of offerings:
- Traditional hammams that combine ancient purification rituals with modern luxury
- Spiritual wellness practices deeply rooted in cultural heritage
- Authentic Ayurvedic treatments, influenced by a significant Indian expatriate community
- Culinary wellness featuring indigenous superfoods such as Za’atar and dates
However, the dynamic nature of the wellness tourism sector has sparked varied perspectives on future trends and geographical shifts. To explore these evolving narratives, FINN Partners Global Travel will be hosting an insightful conversation, bringing together our own experts to discuss the multifaceted future of this valuable tourism sector.
Webinar: The Future of Global Wellness Tourism
On February 12th at 9:30AM GMT, join us for an insightful and interactive conversation with:
- Debbie Flynn, Managing Partner, Global Practice Leader
- Cathy Feliciano-Chon, Managing Partner, Strategic Development, APAC
- Thomas Morris, Senior Partner, Global Intelligence, UAE
Register here.
Read more about the trends defining the The Future of Global Wellness Tourism for 2025.