The government is advancing its outreach to Middle Eastern tourists by launching direct Don Mueang–Dubai flights and hosting the “Amazing Thailand Takes Off with flydubai Roadshow 2026” on 7–8 July, aiming to boost bookings during the high season.
On 6 July 2026, Ms. Ploytale Laksamee Sangchan, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister’s Office, announced that the government, through the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is expanding into the Middle Eastern tourist market. In strategic cooperation with flydubai airline, they launched the inaugural Dubai-Bangkok flight starting 1 July 2026. They will continue to promote sales activities under the "Amazing Thailand Takes Off with flydubai Roadshow 2026" project on 7 July in Dubai and 8 July in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This initiative aims to expand the market, strengthen tourism partnerships, attract high-spending quality tourists to Thailand, and reinforce Thailand’s role as a leading destination for Middle Eastern travelers.
Ms. Ploytale said data shows that the Middle Eastern market, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a strategically important long-haul market with high spending potential. Between 1 January and 21 June 2026, 188,447 Middle Eastern tourists visited Thailand, spending an average of over 100,000 baht per person per trip, staying 10–12 nights on average. They prefer 5-star hotels and luxury resorts and often travel in large family groups. Additionally, this market has a high repeat visitor rate of 65%, reflecting strong confidence in Thailand’s tourism quality and services.
"Expanding the Middle Eastern tourist base by opening the new Dubai-Don Mueang route is a significant step to enhance Thailand’s seat capacity. The route currently operates one flight daily, with plans to increase to two daily flights starting 15 September 2026. This will add approximately 10,292 new seats to Thailand during the summer season (July to 31 August 2026). It will also stimulate travel and support continued growth from the Middle Eastern market from the route’s launch through the year-end peak season, reinforcing Thailand’s role as a premier destination for Middle Eastern tourists."