There are many places in the UAE that attract travellers from around the world. And it seems that they have taken the top spot officially! Yes, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are set to be the most sought-after destinations for international travellers in 2026. And this is in the Skyscanner Travel Trends report. Here’s all you need to know about this travel-related development.
Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Sharjah Amongst The Top For Travellers
The surge is largely driven by holidaymakers, who like to prioritise hotel experiences. As revealed in a report of the Gulf News, which quoted the Skyscanner Travel Trends report. As it happens, Dubai let the pack in advance hotel bookings, which showed an 89.7% increase as compared to 2024. After all, travellers hailing from countries like South Korea, Switzerland, Canada, and Germany are seeking destinations, which offer a mix of comfort, unique experiences, and culture.
Not only this, but Sharjah also saw 101% rise in searches from German tourists. They were drawn by its heritage sites, beaches, and the availability of low-cost flights. For Swiss travellers, they also sha owed strong interest in the searches being up by 99% as compared to 2024.
Also Read: Did You Hear? Dubai’s Famous La Maison Ani Is Making Its Debut In Riyadh Soon!
Seamless Connectivity & Accommodation Influencing Choices
Dubai’s appeal is further boosted by seamless flight connectivity, and it offers visa-free entry for Canadian travellers. As it saw a complete with a 16% drop in travel cost as compared to 2024. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi became a preferred choice for South Korean tourists. According to the report, hotels are also playing a central role in shaping travel decisions. About 76% of travellers mention how the accommodation influences their choice of destination. Millennials, marking 78%, were guided by the hotel quality, while Gen Z made 77%. There is also an increase in the average length of the stay, with travellers planning six-day holidays in 2026. This is an increase from the previous four-day holiday in 2025.
The beaches in the UAE are also captivating tourists, and the world-class hotels that offer private beaches, pools, and proximity to major attractions are also a big draw. Travellers from the UK, Italy, Turkey, India, France, Germany, Australia, and the Netherlands are expected to be drawn in the coming year.
So, with the world-class facilities shaping how people travel and choose their destination, it’s not surprising that these emirates have made it amongst the top.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Andrey
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