Skift Global Forum East 2026: Gulf Tourism Outlook

The rapid growth trajectory that defined the Gulf region for half a decade now faces an open question following the Iran-U.S. war. Major travel organizations operating across the region are forced to evaluate how much of their previous momentum and traveler trust can survive a sustained geopolitical conflict.

Amidst this shifting landscape, Skift Global Forum East returns to Abu Dhabi on December 8-9, 2026, hosted by Experience Abu Dhabi. Marking its fifth overall edition and its second in the city, the forum follows a successful previous year that gathered 424 leaders from 279 companies across 21 countries, with 65% holding director-level positions or higher.

The core of this year's agenda revolves around six critical decisions for investors and executives. These include deciding whether to recommit capital to Middle East hospitality, wait for clarity, or redirect funds to lower-risk markets, alongside shifting artificial intelligence initiatives from trial phases directly into revenue generation.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Another pressing issue involves the uncertain Q4 return of South and East Asian travelers, requiring airlines and destination leaders to formulate effective pull-back strategies. Additionally, destination developers must assess whether massive investments in sports and entertainment infrastructure will build durable demand cycles or trigger post-event slumps.