- UAE leads with 8.6 million Indian visitors, driven by tourism and business
- Saudi Arabia ranks second with 3.4 million visitors for work, pilgrimage, and tourism
- Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman also rank in the top 10 for Indian outbound travel in 2025
Indians are travelling overseas more than ever before, and 2025 has turned out to be a landmark year for outbound tourism. According to the latest data shared by the Ministry of Tourism, 3.27 crore Indians travelled abroad in 2025, up from 3.08 crore in 2024. The steady rise suggests that international travel is no longer limited to yearly holidays alone but is slowly becoming a priority for many. Be it leisure, business, family visits or spiritual journeys, Indians are exploring the world with renewed enthusiasm.
Interestingly, the Gulf region has emerged as a clear favourite, with five of the top 10 international destinations being Gulf nations.
Understanding Why Indians Travel Abroad
Outbound tourism, in simple terms, refers to residents travelling to a foreign country for less than 12 months for leisure, business, or other purposes. The Ministry's 2025 data highlights the wide range of reasons that motivate Indians to travel abroad.
Leisure remains the top motivator at 43.5 per cent, followed by the Indian diaspora at 34.1 per cent. Business travel accounts for 14.6 per cent, pilgrimage for 3.7 per cent, and other purposes for 1.3 per cent.
A remarkable trend emerging from this data is the dominance of Gulf destinations in 2025. From seamless visa processes to short-haul flights and abundant work opportunities, the region continues to attract Indian travellers in record numbers.
Here Are The Top 5 Gulf Countries Visited By Indians In 2025:
1. United Arab Emirates (Rank 1)
The UAE remained the most visited destination for Indians in 2025, welcoming approximately 8.6 million travellers from India.
Tourism, luxury shopping, entertainment, and fine dining continue to draw visitors. The country's simplified visa access, cultural familiarity, and strong air connectivity make it a convenient getaway. Dubai remains the star attraction, but Ras Al Khaimah also saw strong growth, recording 14 per cent more Indian arrivals in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.
Also Read: 14 Per Cent More Indians Visited Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, In 2025. Travel Guide Inside
2. Saudi Arabia (Rank 2)
Saudi Arabia secured the second spot, with 3.4 million Indian travellers visiting in 2025.
Indians travelled for tourism, family visits, business, and religious reasons. The Kingdom continues to be a major employment hub for Indian workers across sectors, including construction, hospitality, energy, services and technology. Additionally, Haj remains a major driver for annual travel. With Saudi Arabia aggressively promoting itself for leisure travel, MICE tourism, weddings, and cultural experiences, Indians are showing growing interest in exploring the country beyond pilgrimage routes.
3. Qatar (Rank 7)
Ranked seventh, Qatar attracted around 1.1 million Indian tourists in 2025.
Strong aviation connectivity, with multiple daily flights from major Indian cities, has made Doha an easy weekend or short-break getaway. The country appeals to travellers seeking luxury, wellness stays, family-friendly attractions, concerts, sporting events, and culinary experiences.
Also Read: 3.3 Crore Indians Went On Foreign Trips In 2025. Top 3 Countries Are UAE, Saudi, Thailand
4. Kuwait (Rank 8)
Kuwait secured the eighth position with 1 million Indian arrivals in 2025.
The big boost came mid-year when Kuwait introduced a new e-Visa system in July 2025, simplifying entry procedures and eliminating embassy visits. In the same month, Indian airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Akasa Air, and Air India Express expanded capacity. They added more flights to Kuwait after a new air treaty increased the weekly flight seat allowance by 6,000. The result: smoother, faster and more frequent travel for both leisure and business.
5. Oman (Rank 9)
Oman, at ninth place, welcomed 0.9 million Indians in 2025.
Known for its pristine beaches, dramatic mountains, and cultural heritage, the country is positioning itself as a destination for luxury travellers, adventure seekers, MICE events and destination weddings. Improved air connectivity between Indian cities and Muscat has further strengthened visitor numbers. Oman's Ministry of Heritage and Tourism continues to promote the country's diverse landscapes, which increasingly appeal to Indian travellers seeking quieter, scenic escapes.
Other Countries In The Top 10
Beyond the Gulf nations, the remaining top 10 destinations visited by Indians in 2025 include Thailand (rank 3), the United States of America (rank 4), Singapore (rank 5), the United Kingdom (rank 6), and Malaysia (rank 10).
