Despite a rise in digital alternatives, business travel remains a vital part of corporate life in the Middle East. A new survey by SAP Concur highlights strong support for in-person travel among employees — but with significant differences in how different generations travel, spend, and save.
According to the seventh annual SAP Concur Global Business Travel Survey, 64% of business travellers in the Middle East say travel is essential to their jobs, and 33% say it’s helpful. Only 3% consider it unnecessary.
However, as executives increasingly turn to video conferencing and messaging apps to cut costs, employees are navigating a fine balance between professional needs and company policies — each generation in its own way.
Shifting Behaviours and Priorities
Nearly 94% of Middle Eastern employees say they change their habits when traveling for work. Among the most common trends:
- 44% opt for higher-quality hotels or premium rooms.
- 53% prefer direct flights, even if more expensive.
- 38% choose private transport options.
- 31% dine at upscale restaurants.
Yet employees aren’t reckless with spending. Many are willing to use personal funds to improve their travel experience or save their company money. In fact, 43% use their own payment methods to collect loyalty points or miles, and 35% look for cheaper meals while travelling.
A Generational Breakdown
The survey introduces four fictional Middle Eastern professionals to represent generational trends:
- Fatima, a 64-year-old Baby Boomer, is cautious but values quality. While not extravagant, she’s willing to pay personally for better travel and often looks for ways to reduce company costs.
- Omar, a 49-year-old Gen X professional, is confident spending moderately more during work trips, often covering perks himself. He strikes a balance between comfort and fiscal awareness.
- Yousef, a 33-year-old Millennial, travels with flair. His generation is the most likely to spend freely — often upgrading flights or hotels even without reimbursement. However, they also look for loyalty benefits and savings where possible.
- Layla, a 22-year-old Gen Z entrant, reflects her cohort’s tendency to enjoy upgraded travel experiences but with a strong preference for safety and flexibility. Gen Z is also the most anxious about air travel and the least satisfied with how often they travel.
Policy Implications for Employers
The diversity in travel behaviours presents a challenge for employers designing travel policies. A single one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to satisfy both seasoned executives and newer hires.
SAP Concur recommends more flexible, individualised policies that account for generational expectations and align personal motivation with company goals. By doing so, businesses can optimise spending, improve employee satisfaction, and maintain productive, in-person connections where it matters most.
As travel continues to evolve, companies that adapt to these trends will be better equipped to foster a globally mobile, empowered workforce.
