Nearly all residents in the UAE are planning to travel overseas this year, with cost remaining a major concern for many, according to new data released by travel app Skyscanner.
The survey, conducted with OnePoll, found that 96% of people in the UAE intend to travel abroad in 2026. While 69% have already booked flights, almost two-thirds said they have not yet finalised their travel dates.
Travel plans rise
The findings show strong demand for international travel, despite ongoing concerns about expenses. Half of respondents said they are worried about the cost of their overseas trips, highlighting the importance of affordable flight options.
To address this, Skyscanner published its list of the Top 10 cheapest destinations for UAE travellers in 2026, based on average return fares.
Cheapest destinations
Indian cities dominated the ranking, led by Chennai with an average return fare of Dhs795. Kozhikode followed at Dhs937, while Mumbai ranked third with average fares of Dhs975. Other destinations on the list include Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Mangalore, Istanbul, Cairo, Dhaka and Manila, with average return prices ranging from Dhs1,030 to Dhs1,691.
According to Skyscanner, the destinations combine strong connectivity from the UAE with cultural appeal and competitive pricing.
Cheapest travel day
The data also revealed that Saturday is currently the cheapest day to fly for UAE travellers on average. This contrasts with public perception, as 28% of respondents believed Tuesday offered the lowest fares, followed by Wednesday at 25%.
Skyscanner noted that flight prices still vary depending on route and time of year, and flexible date searches can help travellers find better deals.
New planning tool
With 56% of respondents saying they would book earlier if they knew the cheapest destinations in advance, Skyscanner has launched a new Cheapest Destination Planner. The tool allows users to select a travel month and view the 10 most affordable cities, along with average return prices and the cheapest days to travel.
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “UAE travellers are always keen on discovering destinations that offer great value without sacrificing unforgettable experiences. In 2026, with average fares starting under Dhs 800–1,700, plus our new Cheapest Destination Planner, travellers can confidently explore more places while staying on budget. With Saturday being the cheapest day to fly, it’s the perfect year for spontaneous adventures.”
Hotels and car hire
The survey showed that 43% of UAE travellers have already booked accommodation for their international trips, while only 19% have arranged car hire. Skyscanner said its platform allows users to compare accommodation and car rental options to find value-for-money deals.
The company also highlighted tools such as price alerts, monthly fare searches and its “Everywhere” search feature, aimed at helping travellers monitor prices and identify lower-cost destinations when planning trips in 2026.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
