The decline in tourist flows, attributed to the conflict in Iran, is expected to have a notable impact on Bahrain and the UAE. These two countries heavily rely on tourism, with the sector contributing more than 10% to their GDP. By comparison, in leading European and Asian tourist destinations, the tourism sector accounts for between 2.5% (like in Italy) and 9.1% (such as in Greece), with no country surpassing the 10% mark.

Bahrain predominantly welcomes tourists from neighboring Saudi Arabia, while the UAE enjoys a more diverse tourist base. A reduction in these tourist numbers could potentially lead to severe economic repercussions for both countries.