The UAE has firmly established itself as one of Thailands fastest-growing Gulf source markets, with around 160,000 to 170,000 Emirati visitors travelling to Thailand each year and numbers forecast to rise further during 2026 (per TradeArabia and Travel and Tour World).
What the visitor numbers show
Officials in Bangkok and Abu Dhabi say the 170,000 figure reflects sustained, repeat travel rather than a one-off spike. Many Emiratis now return to Thailand several times in the same year for family holidays, medical treatments, short wellness breaks and getaways built around shopping, gastronomy and nature, according to Thailands Ambassador to the UAE quoted by TradeArabia. Travel and Tour World reports that long-haul arrivals into Thailand from the wider Middle East have continued to climb in 2026 as connectivity expands.
Trade and investment alongside tourism
Tourism is one pillar of a much larger relationship. Bilateral trade between Thailand and the UAE has already reached an estimated $20 billion to $25 billion, with annual growth running at roughly 8 to 12 percent (per TradeArabia). Both governments have signalled that 2026 will focus on converting this momentum into high-value visitor flows, joint investment in tourism infrastructure and new experiences tailored to Gulf travellers, including halal-friendly hospitality and Arabic-language services.
Why Thailand keeps drawing Emiratis
Thailands appeal for UAE residents combines short flight times of around six to seven hours, year-round leisure options and a deep medical-tourism sector covering elective procedures, dental care and rehabilitation. Wellness retreats in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui have also become regular stops for Gulf visitors looking for longer stays outside the peak UAE summer heat (per Travel and Tour World).
What to watch in 2026
Industry sources cited by GDN Online and TTN expect additional direct flights, more inbound Thai investment promotion in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and new joint campaigns aimed at high-spending Gulf travellers. For UAE-based tour operators, the message is that demand is not just holding up but is being actively cultivated by both governments. For Thai hospitality and healthcare providers, the 170,000-visitor figure is now a baseline they are openly trying to push higher in the coming year.
