Searches for winter city breaks to the UAE have risen sharply, driven by cooler weather, shopping events, and short-stay urban experiences, according to data from travel platform Wego.
International and regional travellers are increasingly planning trips to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with searches from India up 20 per cent year-on-year and Egypt rising 42.7 per cent. Both cities account for 80 per cent of total UAE-bound searches, reflecting strong demand for compact city breaks that allow travellers to make the most of long weekends and flexible time off.
Rising search trends
Wego recorded more than 2 million searches to the UAE between December 2025 and January 2026. Hotel searches rose 7 per cent year-on-year, while flight searches increased by 5 per cent. The data indicates that winter urban breaks remain popular for short-term leisure and shopping-focused travel.
Travellers are also planning trips earlier, with an average booking lead time of 30 days. However, 22 per cent of searches occur within a week of travel, showing a mix of planned and last-minute trips during the peak winter season.
Shopping-driven travel
Retail events continue to influence travel patterns. Seasonal promotions, the Dubai Shopping Festival, year-end sales, and New Year celebrations are attracting visitors who combine shopping with dining, entertainment, and waterfront experiences. The concentration of retail hubs alongside tourist attractions supports frequent, short urban stays during the winter period.
Wego said Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s international connectivity, mature retail ecosystem, and hospitality infrastructure make the UAE a top choice for winter city breaks. The platform allows travellers to search, compare, and book across hundreds of airlines and hotels, with tools such as fare calendars, real-time availability, and price alerts to help plan efficiently during peak periods.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
