Dubai Ranks First Globally, Bahrain Seventh as 12 Arab Airports Enter Worldworthy's Top 100 for 2026

Airports from seven Arab countries feature in the global ranking, with Muscat placing 15th, Queen Alia 21st, and Zayed International 26th, while Tabuk leads the Saudi airports included in the list

Twelve Arab airports have secured places among the world's top 100 airports for 2026, according to The Worldworthy 100 ranking, which placed Dubai International Airport first globally with a score of 9.26 out of 10, followed by Bahrain International Airport in seventh place with 8.99 and Muscat International Airport in 15th place with 8.86.

The results, based on data collected through November 4, 2026, highlight the presence of airports from seven Arab countries: the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The ranking features 100 airports across 67 countries.

Worldworthy uses an editorial methodology combining visitor experiences and recommendations, professional recognition reflected in international guides and media coverage, and publicly available records, with findings reviewed before publication.

Dubai International Airport topped the global ranking with a score of 9.26 out of 10, ahead of El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia, which ranked second with 9.18.

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, India, secured third place with 9.14, followed by Singapore Changi Airport in fourth with 9.10 and Rome Fiumicino Airport in fifth with 9.06.

South Korea's Incheon International Airport ranked sixth with 9.01, immediately ahead of Bahrain International Airport in seventh place.

These results reflect the ranking organization's specific assessment criteria and should not be interpreted as a direct comparison of passenger volumes, operational capacity, or flight punctuality.

Bahrain International Airport achieved one of the strongest Arab performances, ranking seventh worldwide with a score of 8.99, ahead of several major international airports across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Muscat International Airport secured 15th place with 8.86, making it the third-highest-ranked Arab airport after Dubai and Bahrain. In Jordan, Queen Alia International Airport placed 21st with a score of 8.78, while Amman Civil Airport appeared in 66th place with 8.57.

The results demonstrate that the ranking includes both major international aviation hubs and smaller regional airports, rather than focusing exclusively on airports handling the largest passenger volumes.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia had the highest number of entries among Arab countries, with three airports each.

Alongside Dubai International Airport's first-place ranking, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi secured 26th place with a score of 8.75, while Ras Al Khaimah International Airport ranked 73rd with 8.54.

In Saudi Arabia, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk was the country's highest-ranked airport on the list, securing 45th place with a score of 8.62.

Hail International Airport followed in 68th place with 8.57, while Taif International Airport ranked 75th with 8.53.

This distribution highlights that the assessment is not based solely on the volume of air traffic, as regional airports feature alongside major international gateways.

Hamad International Airport in Doha secured 42nd place globally with a score of 8.63, according to the official results.

In Egypt, Luxor International Airport ranked 63rd with 8.59, making it the Egyptian airport included in the top 100.

Luxor's inclusion carries particular tourism significance, given the city's position as one of Egypt's leading cultural and archaeological destinations.

The airport serves as a major gateway for visitors exploring the city's ancient temples and historical landmarks.

However, its position in the ranking does not, by itself, indicate changes in tourist arrivals or passenger traffic.

According to Worldworthy, the ranking draws on visitor feedback and experiences, international travel guides, media reporting, and publicly available records, with results undergoing editorial review before publication.

The organization states that airports and other establishments cannot purchase a ranking position or pay to guarantee inclusion.

This methodology differs from other airport rankings that rely on independent passenger surveys or specific service and operational performance indicators. As a result, airports may receive different positions across various international rankings.

A high score also does not guarantee that every journey through an airport will be free from congestion, delays, or service disruptions. Rather, it reflects the outcome of Worldworthy's assessment using its selected data and methodology.

The ranking provides travelers with an additional reference point when comparing airport experiences, particularly when selecting destinations or connecting airports for international journeys.

It highlights a diverse range of Arab airports, from major international aviation hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi to regional gateways serving tourism destinations and cities such as Luxor, Tabuk, and Taif.

Nevertheless, choosing the most suitable airport remains dependent on practical considerations, including direct flight availability, connecting times, accessibility to city centers, travel costs, and passenger services.

For the tourism industry, the inclusion of Arab airports in international passenger-experience rankings offers an opportunity to showcase their services and facilities.

However, such recognition does not independently demonstrate growth in tourism arrivals, visitor spending, or hotel occupancy.

Official operational indicators, including passenger numbers, flight movements, air connectivity, and on-time performance, remain essential for evaluating airports' actual performance and economic contribution.