The Middle East's preferred B2B platform for outbound travel. Access wholesale rates for Asia, Maldives, Europe and beyond. Multi-currency GCC payments, Halal travel support, and Umrah package integration.
The Middle East isn't just a destination anymore—it's one of the world's most dynamic outbound travel markets. If you're running a travel agency anywhere in the GCC or broader MENA region, you're sitting on enormous potential. Saudi Vision 2030 is transforming tourism. Qatar's World Cup legacy continues driving growth. The entire region is traveling more than ever before. The question is: are you capturing that opportunity?
A B2B travel portal Middle East travel agents can rely on changes everything. You've got clients who expect premium service, competitive pricing, and culturally appropriate options. They want Halal dining options. They want to know where the nearest mosque is. They want agents who understand their needs. And they want you to deliver all of this while still beating OTA prices.
I've spent years working with travel agencies across the Gulf. The pattern is always the same: agencies with direct wholesale access thrive. Those buying through multiple intermediary layers struggle with thin margins and slow responses. OTAs are eating market share because they're faster and often cheaper. So let's fix that.
Here's what makes the Middle East travel market genuinely unique. You've got some of the highest per capita travel spending on the planet. GCC residents take an average of 4.2 international trips per year—that's well above global averages. And these aren't budget backpacking trips. Middle Eastern travelers spend big on experiences.
Let me share some numbers that should shape your business thinking. The GCC outbound travel market was worth USD 62 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit USD 85 billion by 2027. Saudi Arabia alone accounts for nearly half of that—making it the largest outbound market in the region by a significant margin. Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman combined represent another substantial segment, each with distinct travel preferences and patterns.
GCC travelers spend 2.5x more per trip than the global average. When a Saudi family travels to Malaysia or a Qatari couple books a Maldives honeymoon, they're not looking for hostels. They want premium experiences. This creates opportunities for travel agents who can deliver luxury at competitive prices—exactly what B2B portal access enables.
Let's be direct: Middle Eastern travelers have expectations that differ from Western markets. When a Kuwaiti family asks about Thailand, they want to know about Halal restaurants, not rooftop bars. When a Bahraini couple books Maldives, they might prefer an alcohol-free resort. These aren't afterthoughts—they're primary decision factors.
This creates a competitive advantage for regional travel agents. OTAs like Booking.com don't curate for Halal requirements. They don't know which Phuket hotels have prayer rooms or which Singapore restaurants have Halal certification. You do—or you should. And a proper B2B travel portal for GCC agents gives you the inventory and information to deliver exactly that.
Family travel is another major factor. Extended family trips are common—sometimes 15-20 people traveling together across multiple generations. Your booking system needs to handle multi-room configurations efficiently, calculate group rates, and manage complex room assignments. That's not something consumer OTAs handle well.
The sheer scale of this market means opportunities exist for agencies of all sizes. Whether you're a boutique luxury specialist in Doha or a high-volume operator in Riyadh, there's business to capture—if you have the right tools.
Each GCC country has distinct travel patterns, regulatory requirements, and client preferences. Understanding these differences helps you serve your market better and optimize your use of B2B platforms.
Market Size: Largest GCC outbound market (50%+ of regional spend)
Top Destinations: Turkey, Malaysia, Maldives, UAE, Egypt, Indonesia
License Required: MISA (Ministry of Investment) or SAGIA for travel companies
Market Size: Growing rapidly post-World Cup
Top Destinations: Maldives, UK, Thailand, Turkey, Bali
License Required: QNTA (Qatar National Tourism Authority)
Market Size: Compact but high-spending
Top Destinations: Thailand, Maldives, UK, Georgia, Turkey
License Required: BTEA (Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority)
Market Size: Growing steadily under Vision 2040
Top Destinations: India, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Sri Lanka
License Required: Ministry of Heritage and Tourism
Market Size: High per-capita spending
Top Destinations: Turkey, UK, Thailand, Maldives, Malaysia
License Required: MOTC (Ministry of Trade and Commerce)
Market Size: Second largest, highly developed
Top Destinations: Maldives, Thailand, Singapore, UK, Turkey
License Required: DET/DTCM (Dubai), DOT (Abu Dhabi)
Saudi Arabia deserves special attention because it represents over half of GCC outbound travel spending. If you're a travel agent in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, or anywhere across the Kingdom, you're operating in the region's most important travel market. Vision 2030 isn't just about inbound tourism—it's creating a generation of Saudi travelers with growing expectations and expanding horizons.
Saudi travelers have traditionally focused on a handful of destinations: Turkey for its cultural familiarity and visa-free access, Malaysia for Halal friendliness, Egypt for budget beach holidays, and increasingly Maldives for luxury honeymoons. But patterns are shifting. Younger Saudi travelers are exploring Japan, South Korea, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Southeast Asia more broadly.
Saudi travel agents have specific requirements that generic platforms don't address:
DMC Quote addresses all of these. We accept SAR payments via local bank transfer, provide Halal information across our inventory, handle complex group bookings, generate visa-compliant documentation instantly, and offer Arabic support for agents who prefer it.
| Destination | Saudi Travelers (2024) | Why Popular |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 3.2 million | Visa-free, Halal everywhere, cultural affinity, shopping |
| Malaysia | 1.8 million | Muslim-majority, excellent Halal, family-friendly, affordable |
| UAE | 2.5 million | Proximity, shopping, entertainment, weekend trips |
| Egypt | 1.5 million | Budget beaches, historical tourism, cultural familiarity |
| Maldives | 180,000 | Honeymoons, luxury escapes, Muslim country |
| Indonesia/Bali | 320,000 | Honeymoons, nature, growing Halal options |
| Thailand | 450,000 | Shopping, beaches, medical tourism, Bangkok attractions |
| Georgia | 280,000 | Visa-free, summer escape, affordable, nature |
Qatar's travel industry has been transformed by the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The infrastructure investments—new hotels, expanded airport capacity, enhanced attractions—were built for hosting. But the lasting impact is on Qatar's own outbound travel market. Qatari nationals and residents now have greater global awareness and appetite for international travel.
Qatar Airways' expansive route network makes this market particularly interesting. Direct flights to virtually every major destination mean Qatari travelers can reach anywhere efficiently. The airline's premium positioning also shapes traveler expectations—they're accustomed to quality.
For travel agents in Doha, the opportunity is dual: serve the outbound market with wholesale access to global inventory, and increasingly serve inbound tourism as Qatar establishes itself as a year-round destination. DMC Quote supports both directions.
QNTA-licensed agencies can register with DMC Quote using their trade license and authorized signatory documentation. We accept QAR payments via bank transfer, with conversion at competitive interbank rates. Qatar's high-income market means luxury inventory access is particularly valuable—our Maldives, European, and Asian luxury properties resonate strongly here.
Bahrain occupies a unique position in GCC travel. As the smallest Gulf state, it serves partly as a weekend gateway for Saudi travelers (especially from the Eastern Province). But Bahraini nationals themselves are frequent travelers with cosmopolitan tastes shaped by the kingdom's historically open culture.
Bahraini travel agencies often serve mixed clientele—nationals, expats, and Saudi visitors. This diversity requires flexibility in product offerings. Some clients want Halal-focused packages; others have different preferences. A comprehensive B2B travel portal for Middle East agents needs to accommodate this range.
Bahrain's banking infrastructure is well-developed, making BHD payments straightforward. We accept Bahraini Dinar transfers with same-day processing for payments received before 2 PM local time.
Oman's travel market has its own character. Omanis tend toward authentic experiences rather than pure luxury—nature tourism, cultural immersion, and adventure travel resonate here. Destinations like Sri Lanka, Kerala (India), and Turkey are popular. The significant Indian expatriate population also drives VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic to the subcontinent.
Vision 2040 is transforming Oman's tourism sector, creating new opportunities for travel agencies. The focus on sustainable and authentic tourism aligns well with Omani traveler preferences. Agents here benefit from access to properties and experiences that match this sensibility—not just generic resort bookings.
For Omani travel agencies, DMC Quote offers strong inventory in destinations Omani travelers prefer: Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and increasingly European nature destinations. OMR payment support ensures smooth transactions without currency friction.
Kuwaiti travelers are among the highest spenders per trip in the GCC. When Kuwaiti families travel, they often choose premium properties and comprehensive packages. The summer escape market is particularly strong—June through August sees mass travel to cooler destinations in Europe, Turkey, and Georgia.
The Kuwaiti Dinar is the world's highest-valued currency, which means even small transactions represent significant booking values. Kuwaiti agents need systems that handle this efficiently, with proper KWD payment processing and professional documentation.
The Kuwait summer travel season (June-August) is when most agencies make the majority of their annual revenue. Successful agents prepare months in advance, blocking inventory at popular European and Turkish properties well before demand peaks. DMC Quote's real-time availability helps you secure inventory quickly when clients confirm.
UK and London remain perennial favorites for Kuwaiti travelers—shopping, education, and established community connections drive consistent demand. We maintain strong London hotel inventory at wholesale rates that help Kuwaiti agents compete effectively.
Religious travel is a massive segment in the Middle Eastern travel industry. Umrah alone draws over 15 million pilgrims annually, with that number growing rapidly under Saudi Vision 2030's goal of 30 million Umrah pilgrims by 2030. Many travel agencies across the GCC and broader MENA region have built their businesses primarily around Umrah packages.
While DMC Quote doesn't provide Saudi domestic services (Makkah and Madinah hotels require specific Saudi licensing), we help Umrah-focused agencies diversify and add value to their offerings:
Many Umrah specialists are expanding into general leisure travel—and for good reason. Religious travel is seasonal and margins are increasingly competitive. Agencies with wholesale access to leisure destinations can serve the same client base year-round, building relationships that extend beyond pilgrimage seasons.
The connection point is trust. Families who trust you with their sacred journey will trust you with their holiday planning. By offering Halal-friendly leisure packages, you leverage existing relationships into new revenue streams. DMC Quote's inventory supports this transition with appropriate destinations and filtering capabilities.
During Hajj season, millions of pilgrims are in Saudi Arabia with varying departure schedules. Many want to extend their trip with regional travel—visiting Jordan, Egypt, or Turkey before returning home. Agencies positioned to offer these add-ons capture significant incremental revenue. Our platform enables quick packaging of these extension trips with real-time availability and instant confirmation.
For most Middle Eastern travelers, Halal compliance isn't a "nice to have"—it's a fundamental requirement. Travel agents who can confidently provide Halal travel information have a massive advantage over generic OTAs. This is an area where B2B portals serving the Middle East market must deliver.
DMC Quote has developed comprehensive Halal travel support because we understand the GCC market. Here's what that means in practice:
| Destination | Halal Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | Excellent | Muslim-majority, Halal everywhere, mosques throughout |
| Indonesia | Excellent | Muslim-majority, extensive Halal options, note: Bali requires research |
| Turkey | Excellent | Muslim-majority, Halal default in most areas, mosques everywhere |
| Maldives | Very Good | Muslim country, resorts vary on alcohol policy, Halal food standard |
| Thailand | Good | Growing Halal scene in Bangkok/Phuket, southern region Muslim-majority |
| Singapore | Very Good | Extensive Halal certification, mosques available, Muslim-friendly |
| Japan | Improving | Growing Halal options in Tokyo/Osaka, prayer rooms at airports, requires research |
| UK | Very Good | Large Muslim community, extensive Halal restaurants, mosques in all cities |
During Ramadan, Muslim travelers have specific needs: suhoor (pre-dawn meal) service, iftar timing, proximity to mosques for Tarawih prayers. Our platform allows agents to note these requirements on bookings. For destinations like Malaysia and Turkey, Ramadan facilities are standard. For others, we help identify suitable properties.
Understanding destination preferences helps you focus your B2B portal usage effectively. Here's where Middle Eastern travelers go and why:
Eid holidays are the peak booking periods for Middle Eastern agencies. Start promoting Eid packages 2-3 months in advance. Popular destinations like Maldives, Turkey, and Malaysia book out quickly. Use DMC Quote's real-time availability to lock in inventory before competitors—and before prices spike closer to the holiday.
Operating in multiple GCC countries means dealing with multiple currencies. DMC Quote simplifies this with comprehensive multi-currency support:
| Currency | Payment Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Riyal (SAR) | Bank Transfer (IBAN) | 1-2 business days |
| Qatari Riyal (QAR) | Bank Transfer | 1-2 business days |
| Bahraini Dinar (BHD) | Bank Transfer | Same day (before 2 PM) |
| Omani Rial (OMR) | Bank Transfer | 1-2 business days |
| Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) | Bank Transfer | 1-2 business days |
| UAE Dirham (AED) | Bank Transfer (IBAN) | Same day (before 2 PM) |
| US Dollar (USD) | Wire Transfer | 1-2 business days |
| All Currencies | International Credit Card | Instant |
Our wallet system is designed for professional travel agents. Fund your account in your preferred currency, and book in any currency—our system handles the conversion at competitive interbank rates. This means you can:
After building booking history with DMC Quote (typically 3-6 months of consistent activity), GCC agencies can apply for credit terms. We offer 7-14 day payment terms based on your volume and track record. This is particularly valuable for agencies serving corporate clients who pay on 30-45 day cycles—you can book now and collect payment before your DMC Quote invoice is due.
Registration is straightforward for GCC travel agents. Here's the process:
Visit dmcquote.com/register. Fill in your company name (as per trade license), country, address, contact details, and business email. Use your company domain email for faster verification.
Trade license or commercial registration from your country, national ID or passport of authorized signatory, and company bank details. IATA accreditation is helpful but not required. Country-specific requirements noted in documentation section below.
Our team reviews your documents within 24-48 hours. GCC verification is typically straightforward given standardized commercial registration formats across the region. Approval confirmation comes via email.
Add funds via local currency bank transfer, USD wire, or international credit card. We provide banking details for each GCC currency. Funds typically credit within 1-2 business days for bank transfers, instantly for cards.
Search hotels, tours, and transfers across 50+ destinations. Book at wholesale rates with instant confirmation. Access your dashboard, download vouchers, and generate branded proposals for clients.
Ensure your trade license explicitly permits travel agency activities. Some commercial registrations may need amendments to include "travel and tourism" or similar. If your license is unclear, provide any supporting documentation showing your authorization to operate as a travel agency.
We understand that GCC agents operate across AST/GST timezones (GMT+3 to GMT+4) and expect professional, responsive support. Here's how we serve the Middle East market:
Phone and WhatsApp support available during Middle East business hours (approximately 8 AM - 9 PM GST). Singapore is 4-5 hours ahead of the Gulf, so when you're starting your workday at 9 AM, we're already available. Email support is 24/7 with responses within 4 hours during business hours.
We have Arabic-speaking team members available for agents who prefer Arabic communication. Just indicate your language preference when contacting us. Documentation and key communications can be provided in Arabic when needed.
WhatsApp is the preferred communication channel in the Middle East, and we fully support it. Our WhatsApp Business line handles quick rate checks, booking assistance, availability queries, and support during travel emergencies. Response time during business hours is typically under 15 minutes.
For urgent issues during guest travel—hotel problems, booking disputes, medical emergencies requiring rebooking—we maintain 24/7 emergency coverage. GCC travelers expect problems to be solved immediately, and we enable you to deliver that level of service.
High-volume agencies (typically 50+ room nights monthly) receive dedicated account management. This includes quarterly rate reviews, priority support, advance notice of special offers, and direct escalation channels for complex requests.
For your highest-value bookings (luxury resorts, large groups, special occasions), notify us in advance. We can arrange priority handling, direct supplier communication, and dedicated attention to ensure flawless execution on premium reservations.
The B2B travel portal landscape has options, so why do over 3,500 GCC agencies work with us? Here's the honest assessment:
Our origins are in Southeast Asia, and it shows in our inventory depth. For destinations Middle Eastern travelers book heavily—Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives—we have direct supplier relationships that translate to better rates than you'll find through intermediaries. This is where we're strongest.
We didn't add "Halal filter" as an afterthought. We understand that Gulf travelers have specific requirements, and we've built systems to address them. Multi-currency payment support, Arabic capability, Halal information, Ramadan considerations—these are core features, not bolt-ons.
We serve travel agents exclusively. No consumer-facing booking engine competing with you. No rate leakage to public channels. When you quote a price from DMC Quote, your client won't find it cheaper by searching online. This protects your margins and your professional relationships.
Net rates are net rates. We don't play games with hidden fees or surprise charges. What you see in the system is what you pay, enabling accurate margin calculation before you quote clients. This transparency builds trust and simplifies your operations.
While Asia is our strength, we've invested heavily in European inventory because GCC summer travel requires it. London, Paris, Geneva, Munich, Milan, Istanbul—we have competitive rates for destinations Gulf travelers book during the hot summer months.
Start accessing wholesale rates for Asia, Maldives, Europe and beyond. Free registration, multi-currency GCC payments, Halal travel support, and dedicated Middle East service.
Questions? Email middleeast@dmcquote.com or WhatsApp +65-8948-0242
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