Full Video: Almosafer CEO on the Future of AI-Driven Travel in the Middle East. Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, the Middle East’s largest travel brand, recently shared his insights on the transformative role of artificial intelligence in the region’s travel sector during a conversation with Skift CEO Rafat Ali at the Skift Global Forum East, held on October 30, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. This discussion offered a glimpse into Almosafer’s strategic vision and its commitment to leveraging AI to enhance every facet of the travel experience, setting a potential benchmark for other travel companies in the Middle East and beyond.
The rise of AI in the travel industry has been a gradual but persistent trend, gaining significant momentum in recent years. Early applications of AI were largely confined to rudimentary chatbots and basic recommendation systems. However, advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics have paved the way for more sophisticated and integrated AI solutions. This evolution is particularly relevant in the Middle East, a region experiencing rapid growth in tourism and a strong push towards technological innovation. The historical reliance on traditional travel agencies is gradually giving way to digitally driven platforms, creating a fertile ground for AI-powered services.
Almosafer’s embrace of AI is not merely a superficial adoption of trendy technology; rather, it represents a fundamental shift in the company’s operating model. Ahussain emphasized that AI is being integrated across various departments, from customer service and marketing to operations and product development. This holistic approach aims to create a seamless and personalized travel experience for customers, while also improving efficiency and reducing costs for the company. One key area of focus is the use of AI to predict travel demand and optimize pricing strategies. By analyzing vast amounts of data, including historical booking patterns, seasonal trends, and external factors such as economic indicators and geopolitical events, Almosafer can dynamically adjust prices to maximize revenue and occupancy rates.
The integration of AI also extends to enhancing customer service. AI-powered chatbots are capable of handling a wide range of inquiries, from basic flight information and hotel reservations to more complex issues such as itinerary changes and travel advisories. These chatbots are available 24/7, providing instant support to customers regardless of their location or time zone. Moreover, AI is being used to personalize recommendations based on individual preferences and past travel behavior. By analyzing data on past trips, preferred destinations, and activities of interest, Almosafer can suggest tailored travel packages and experiences that are more likely to appeal to each customer.
According to a recent industry report by the fictitious "Middle East Travel Tech Consortium," AI-driven personalization can increase customer satisfaction by an estimated 35% and boost conversion rates by approximately 20%. These figures underscore the significant potential of AI to transform the travel industry and enhance the overall customer experience.
"The key to successful AI implementation in travel is not just about deploying the technology, but about understanding the unique needs and preferences of the customer," stated Dr. Amina Khalifa, a fictional Senior Market Analyst at the "Gulf Intelligence Research Institute." "Companies that can effectively leverage AI to create personalized and seamless experiences will be the ones that thrive in the long run."
However, the adoption of AI in the travel industry also presents several challenges. One major concern is data privacy and security. As travel companies collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data, it is crucial to ensure that this data is protected from unauthorized access and misuse. Almosafer has invested heavily in cybersecurity measures and data encryption technologies to safeguard customer data and comply with relevant data privacy regulations. Another challenge is the potential for bias in AI algorithms. If the data used to train AI models is biased, the resulting recommendations and decisions may also be biased, leading to unfair or discriminatory outcomes. Almosafer is actively working to mitigate this risk by ensuring that its AI models are trained on diverse and representative datasets.
Looking ahead, the future of AI in the travel industry is likely to be shaped by several key trends. One trend is the increasing use of AI to automate various aspects of travel planning and management. This includes tasks such as booking flights and hotels, arranging transportation, and creating personalized itineraries. Another trend is the development of more sophisticated AI-powered virtual assistants that can provide real-time support and guidance to travelers throughout their journey. These virtual assistants will be able to answer questions, provide recommendations, and even handle unexpected situations such as flight delays or cancellations.
The Middle East is poised to become a global leader in AI-driven travel innovation. The region’s strong economic growth, its strategic location, and its commitment to technological advancement make it an ideal environment for the development and deployment of AI-powered travel solutions. Several countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have launched ambitious initiatives to promote AI research and development, and to attract foreign investment in the AI sector.
The impact of AI on the Middle East’s travel industry is projected to be substantial. According to a report by the made-up "Arabian Peninsula Economic Forum," the AI market in the Middle East is expected to reach $15 billion by 2030, with the travel sector accounting for a significant share of this growth. The increased efficiency and personalization enabled by AI are expected to drive significant growth in tourism and business travel, creating new opportunities for economic development and job creation. Furthermore, the adoption of AI is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the Middle East’s travel industry on the global stage. By leveraging AI to provide superior customer experiences and more efficient operations, travel companies in the region will be able to attract more international visitors and compete more effectively with their counterparts in other parts of the world.
“AI is not just a tool for improving efficiency; it is a strategic imperative for travel companies that want to succeed in the 21st century," noted Professor Omar Hassan, a fictional Professor of Public Policy at "King Abdullah University of Science and Technology." "The Middle East has the potential to become a global hub for AI-driven travel innovation, but it needs to invest in the necessary infrastructure and talent to realize this potential."
Moreover, the application of AI in the travel sector can contribute to sustainable tourism practices. AI-powered systems can optimize travel routes, predict and manage tourist flows to minimize congestion and environmental impact, and promote eco-friendly travel options. This is particularly important for the Middle East, which is home to several ecologically sensitive areas that are vulnerable to the impacts of tourism. By leveraging AI to promote sustainable tourism, the region can ensure that its natural and cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.
However, the successful integration of AI into the travel industry requires careful planning and execution. Travel companies need to invest in the necessary infrastructure, talent, and data to develop and deploy AI solutions effectively. They also need to address the ethical and social implications of AI, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and job displacement. By addressing these challenges proactively, the Middle East can harness the full potential of AI to transform its travel industry and create a more sustainable and prosperous future.
The discussion between Muzzammil Ahussain and Rafat Ali at the Skift Global Forum East provided valuable insights into the future of AI-driven travel in the Middle East. Almosafer’s commitment to leveraging AI across its operations demonstrates the potential of this technology to transform the travel experience and enhance the competitiveness of the region’s travel industry. As AI continues to evolve, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of travel, not only in the Middle East but also around the world. An estimated 60% of travel bookings are predicted to be influenced by AI-powered recommendations by 2035, highlighting the growing importance of this technology. The coming years will be crucial for travel companies to adapt and integrate AI to remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of travelers.
