DUBAI: Tourism Malaysia is inviting travellers from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to experience the country’s diverse attractions, cultural festivals, sporting events and luxury hospitality throughout October 2026.
With air connectivity from the Gulf, visa facilitation and its reputation for hospitality, Malaysia continues to attract families, couples, adventure seekers and luxury travellers looking for distinctive holiday experiences in Asia.
The October calendar features several international sporting events, including the Petronas Grand Prix of Malaysia (MotoGP), scheduled at Sepang International Circuit from October 30 to November 1. National Sport Day 2026 will take place in Kuala Lumpur from October 9 to 11.
Other sporting attractions include KOKOL Ultra 2026 in Sabah, the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta 2026 and The Heritage Ride Taiping 2026, further strengthening Malaysia’s position as a sports tourism destination.
Visitors can also explore Malaysia’s cultural heritage through events such as the Borneo’s Victoria Lion Dance Championship 2026 in Labuan and Festival Gendang Sarawak at Kuching Waterfront.
Art enthusiasts can visit “Tatreez: Reclaiming Palestine Through Embroidery” at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, an exhibition celebrating cultural identity and artistic expression.
For families travelling during school holidays, Malaysia offers a variety of attractions, ranging from Kuala Lumpur’s landmarks and entertainment destinations in Genting Highlands and Sunway City to Langkawi’s beaches, the rainforests of Sabah and Sarawak, and the historic towns of Penang and Melaka.
The country’s luxury resorts, premium shopping, halal-friendly services, wellness retreats and diverse culinary offerings further enhance its appeal to GCC visitors seeking comfort alongside authentic cultural experiences.
Air connectivity between the Gulf and Malaysia has also expanded, with Gulf Air launching flights from Manama, Bahrain, to Kuala Lumpur on September 29, 2026. The new service complements existing connections operated by airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia.
Mohd Faharuddin Hatmin, Director of Tourism Malaysia’s Dubai Office, said the GCC remained one of the organisation’s most important source markets.
He said Malaysia offered a wide range of experiences for visitors, from family holidays and luxury retreats to adventure travel and cultural exploration, supported by international events, scenic islands, cool highlands, shopping and halal-friendly hospitality.
Tourism Malaysia has encouraged travellers to plan their trips early and take advantage of the available direct flights connecting GCC countries with Malaysia.
The invitation forms part of the country’s broader Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 campaign, which aims to promote its natural attractions, cultural heritage and tourism experiences while supporting sustainable development and long-term benefits for local communities and industry stakeholders.
Tourism Malaysia operates under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and is responsible for promoting the country as a preferred international tourism destination.
