Macau is betting big on fresh markets, and the Middle East is now on the radar. Local officials are in talks to launch direct flights connecting the city with hubs like Riyadh, Dubai, and Doha—routes that industry insiders say could inject serious cash into the gaming and hospitality ecosystem.
For years, Macau leaned heavily on mainland China, Hong Kong, and more recently Southeast Asia to drive traffic. But as post-pandemic recovery continues, casino operators are pushing to diversify visitor streams. “It’s about resilience and reach,” one analyst told MundoVideo News. “Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states are building their own tourism machines, but their high-rollers still want the buzz of Macau tables.”
The pitch is straightforward: wealthy travelers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are among the fastest-growing luxury tourism segments. Macau, already the world’s top gaming destination, wants a slice of that action. Direct flights could shave travel time by half and make junket-style trips more appealing for VIP players
Big names like MGM China, Sands China, and Wynn Macau have all signaled interest in tailoring experiences to Middle Eastern guests, from halal dining to Arabic-speaking concierge services. On the government side, the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) confirmed it’s actively studying air agreements with Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Saudia.
Industry voices also point to Central Asia—Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan—as feeder markets that could tie into the same aviation push. With visa-free travel already in place for some nations, Macau could position itself as the “Vegas of the East” not just for Asia, but for a broader corridor stretching to the Arabian Peninsula.
