NEW DELHI: Mumbai is emerging as one of the most popular vacation spots for Saudi Arabia tourists, travel agents say, as visitors from the Kingdom are drawn by its proximity, culture and business opportunities.
Mumbai is considered one of India’s must-visit cities and hosts the largest film industry in the world, Bollywood. Many Indian megastars live there, including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol.
The metropolis known for its vibrant street life has lately emerged as one of the country’s major tourist hubs, along with cities including Bengaluru and Hyderabad, said Jyoti Mayal, president of the Travel Agents Association of India.
“The Indian travel industry is experiencing a significant surge, driven by the growing popularity of cities like Mumbai among international travelers, particularly from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” she told Arab News.
“These cities are witnessing significant investment in infrastructure, including transportation and real estate, making them attractive for business and tourism.
“The growth of these cities is also driven by their ability to offer a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences, making them appealing to international travelers.”
India, which welcomed more than 9.6 million foreign tourists in 2024, has a rich heritage that “resonates with the cultural preferences” of travelers from the Middle East.
“India’s appeal lies in its unique blend of culture, entertainment, and business opportunities,” Mayal said.
“Indians and the industry understand the importance of catering to the needs and requirements of Middle Eastern tourists, providing halal-friendly tourism options, including halal-certified food and prayer facilities, as well as accommodations that cater to Islamic requirements.”
Data from travel search engine Skyscanner showed that Mumbai, along with Muscat and Kuwait, “have become popular travel destinations for travelers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia due to their close proximity,” the company said earlier this week.
With flights from Riyadh taking only about four-and-a-half hours to reach the western Indian city, Saudi travelers “still have time” to secure affordable flights for the August holidays.
“The summer is a busy period as people look to maximize their vacation time and travel to different destinations,” Ayoub El Mamoun, Skyscanner travel expert, said in a statement.
“Our data shows that there’s still time to get the best prices for flights to Mumbai, Kuwait City and Muscat for the month of August.”
According to the company, flight prices can be less expensive when travelers book far in advance.
“Mumbai is accessible easily from Saudi Arabia,” Tabassum Shaikh, co-founder of the Mumbai-based Business in Saudi consultancy firm, told Arab News. “India offers their kind of food, good location, good people and easy mobility.”
Arabs have often visited the city’s tourist hotspots such as Colaba — a historic and vibrant neighborhood, known for its colonial architecture and iconic landmarks including the Gateway of India monument and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
“Mumbai has always been a favorite destination for Saudis,” Shaikh said. “They usually come during the summer vacation when it’s really hot in Saudi Arabia.”
