The Maldives has become the most booked international destination for UAE travellers this summer, accounting for 20 per cent of overseas hotel bookings, according to new data from dnata Travel.
Thailand, Mauritius, Canada and Australia followed in the list of top destinations, as demand for both short beach breaks and long-haul holidays continued to grow.
Travel trends rise
dnata Travel said nine in 10 hotel bookings this summer were for international destinations. While Indian Ocean locations remain popular, there is a clear rise in demand for long-haul travel, with countries such as Canada, Australia, Japan and the United States entering the top 10.
“International travel is proving more popular than ever this summer, with nine in 10 hotel bookings made for overseas destinations. While traditional favourites such as the Maldives, Thailand and Mauritius continue to attract strong demand, we are also seeing rising interest in long-haul travel as customers seek new destinations and more experience-driven holidays.
“UAE staycations remain an important segment of the market, particularly for short weekend getaways, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah among the most popular domestic destinations this summer.
“Internationally, travellers are staying for an average of around five nights, with long-haul trips often extending beyond this. Demand for four- and five-star properties remains particularly strong, with average booking values up approximately 16% year-on-year.”
Staycation demand
Despite strong international travel, UAE residents continue to book local breaks, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah remaining key staycation destinations for short trips.
dnata Travel said travellers are also opting for longer holidays abroad, particularly in long-haul markets, with average stays around five nights or more.
Summer travel deals
The travel agency has also highlighted a range of summer 2026 holiday packages across popular destinations, including the Maldives, Thailand, Seychelles, Mauritius and Istanbul.
In the Maldives, a three-night stay at Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa starts from Dhs7,055 per adult, including a Lagoon Pool Villa, full board upgrade, speedboat transfers and return flights.
In Thailand, a three-night package at Mida Grande Resort Phuket starts from Dhs4,775 per adult, while Mauritius packages at Long Beach, a Sunlife Resort start from Dhs6,085 per adult.
In Seychelles, a three-night stay at Niva Labriz Seychelles starts from Dhs7,685 per adult, and in Istanbul, a three-night stay at Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center starts from Dhs3,250 per person.
dnata Travel said its summer campaign focuses on last-minute travel deals and curated holiday options supported by global partnerships.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
