SADEQ ALKHOORI (ABU DHABI)
For many UAE residents, the summer holiday decision now begins before choosing a destination.
Travellers are comparing airfares, checking visa timelines, weighing family comfort and asking whether a trip feels worth the cost. Some are staying with familiar routes, while others are looking for easier access, cooler weather or destinations that feel more personal.
Skyscanner research shared with Aletihad shows that 30% of UAE travellers have already booked their summer trips, while 47% are still actively planning. A further 33% describe themselves as flexible with their travel plans.
Ayoub Al Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said UAE travellers are approaching summer holidays with "greater flexibility, more consideration and a stronger focus on convenience throughout the planning process".
The findings point to a travel market where many residents are still comparing routes, accommodation and transport options before deciding where to go.
Familiar destinations continue to perform strongly. According to Skyscanner, India, Egypt, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Thailand remain among the most searched destinations for UAE travellers, reflecting family visits, cultural connections and leisure demand.
At the same time, the search is widening. Skyscanner said the Philippines and Jordan have gained prominence compared with last year, while destinations such as Georgia, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Nepal continue to attract interest.
The company also said the continued popularity of its "Everywhere" search function suggests some travellers are starting with inspiration rather than a fixed destination.
Local travel agencies say the pattern varies by traveller segment.
Fadi Safar, Business Development Manager at Airlink International UAE, said Europe remains the leading outbound region, while Türkiye and the Caucasus, particularly Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, remain popular because of accessibility, favourable visa processes and summer climates.
He said Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, is gaining momentum among travellers looking for affordable experiences, while the Maldives and Oman remain popular for short family getaways.
"We are seeing not a reduction in travel demand, but a shift toward more selective and value-conscious decision-making," Safar said.
Razi Koya, Operations Manager at Infinity Travel, said many customers are delaying holiday plans this year, with a significant number yet to finalise bookings. He said longer Schengen visa processing times may affect travel planning, while destinations with easier visa processing or visa-free entry, including Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and the Maldives, are expected to attract more last-minute and short-duration trips.
Koya said travellers have become increasingly price-sensitive because of higher living costs and daily expenses, adding that demand for premium holiday packages is now more limited and mainly driven by specific segments such as honeymooners and medical travellers.
At Regal Dubai Travel Agency, Danish Ansari, Senior Consultant, said Salalah is seeing strong demand from UAE travellers because of its cooler weather, seasonal rainfall and appeal as a regional escape.
He said many families are still choosing premium packages because they want smoother travel arrangements during holidays.
"Many families choose quality over cheap prices because they do not want the trip to become hectic," Ansari said.
Skyscanner said 86% of UAE travellers are interested in exploring destinations that feel new or different from those commonly seen on social media or within their social circles.
Al Mamoun said this reflects "a broader move away from trend-driven travel towards discovering destinations that better match individual interests and travel preferences".