London-Dubai Emerges As MENA’s Region Busiest Flight Route For Business Travel: Study

The Dubai-London route emerged as the most sought-after flight route for business travellers in 2023 from the MENA region, according to a market study.

The region witnessed a record-breaking 86.9 million international arrivals in 2023, reflecting a surge in travel demand, the study by Tumodo, a key player in the online business travel platform arena in MENA said.

The study, which unveiled insights into the evolving dynamics of business travel within the MENA region, said 10 percent of all tickets sold in the past year catered to business travellers’ needs.

Interestingly, London is emerging as a top business destination for MENA travellers, the study showed.

This is further emphasised by the notable two percent of one-way tickets booked, suggesting flexibility in trip duration.

The platform data analysis showed on average the cost of two-way trip between London and Dubai was at £570.

The data also revealed a strong inclination towards business travel among UAE employees, with a staggering 64 percent intending to embark on business trips, reinforcing the significance of strategic travel routes like London and Dubai.

According to Tumodo’s data, there is a new rising trend called “bleisure” – a concept that combines business trips with leisure activities – fostering a more enriching travel experience while remaining productive.

According to Tumodo’s data, nearly 30 percent of Web Summit’s visitors this year extended their business trips to leisure.

Moreover, internal statistics showed that in the MENA region, 25 percent of IT professionals, 12 percent of finance and manufacturing professionals, and 75 percent of men engage in bleisure, with over half being under 35, particularly in marketing, sales, and IT development.

“Recognising London and Dubai as leading business routes underscores our dedication to supporting the region’s economic development through optimised travel management solutions,” said Stan Klyuy, Chief Commercial Officer of Tumodo.

“Our platform’s adaptability to the dynamic needs of business travellers reinforces our leadership position in the industry, fostering innovation and sustainability.”

Searches for ‘move to Dubai’ and ‘jobs in Dubai’ from the UK, also highlighted the growing appeal of the UAE for business and emphasising the importance of the London-Dubai route, Tumodo said.

The MENA business travel market, with its bright future fuelled by economic growth, rising foreign investment, and the expansion of international business hubs, presents a promising opportunity for businesses, it said.