The number of visitors from the Middle East increased 6 per cent to 53,575 during the first half of 2009 compared to the same period last year.  There has been double digit growth in tourism arrivals in Singapore from the Middle East for three consecutive years.   Singapore Tourism Board area director for the Middle East said the UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait are the top visitor markets for Singapore from the Middle East.

Jason Ong said the number of Middle Eastern based tourists visiting Singapore during 2008 increased 16 per cent over 2007 to 113,934.  He said “Middle East visitors are increasingly discovering Singapore’s unique tourism appeal and I am confident this trend will continue in 2009 and beyond.”    Ong noted the recession and H1N1 have affected tourism and travel trends, but they are confident Middle Eastern visitors will continue to increase because of long term developments like the Integrated Resorts and Orchard Road.