Looking for summer 2025 holiday inspo? This is where UAE residents are going away
As UAE temperatures continue to climb into the 'what spot has the best AC' territory, holiday bookings have gone full throttle. According to dnata Travel, there's been a 12 percent spike in bookings compared to last year – and we're not even at summer's tail end.
So where are residents in the UAE going and what are the travel trends? Let's break it down.
Paris
Bonjour, baguette and bye to the heat. France has officially stolen the spotlight this summer, with Paris topping the getaway charts. Why? Easy: cooler evenings, café terraces and jazz floating down alleyways.
Planning a Euro summer? There's a new Schengen visa requirement for UAE travellers
But it's not just the capital pulling in the crowds. The French Riviera, Provence and even the Alps are getting booked up. Whether you're craving lavender fields or croissants under the Eiffel Tower, France is delivering big 'main character energy' this summer. And thanks to plenty of competitive flight deals, your Euro escape might not cost as much as you think.
Maldives
Honestly, did the Maldives ever not trend? The UAE's favourite postcard-perfect escape remains in high demand. Families, couples, solo adventurers – they're all catching short-haul flights to overwater villas and endless blue.
Does the Maldives offer visa-on-arrival to UAE residents?
Phuket and Istanbul
Credit: Evan Krause/ Unsplash
If you're after sun, spice and a good bargain, Phuket and Istanbul are still holding strong. Phuket offers luxury without the eyewatering bill, while Istanbul is the vibe if your dream summer involves rooftop tea, ancient bazaars and the thrill of East-meets-West culture.
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Austria
Say 'Grüß Gott' to Austria. The Alpine nation is having a moment with UAE travellers – and it makes sense. Crisp mountain air, glacier lakes and Vienna's artistic scene are the perfect antidote to desert heat.
Greece, Czech Republic, Japan, Canada
Forget the usual suspects. UAE travellers are now craving a little more edge with their passports. From Athens' gritty history to Tokyo's futuristic neon, these spots are becoming the 'it' destinations of late summer.
Canada's cool forests? Greece's island tavernas? Prague's gothic glow? They're all trending with UAE holidaymakers who've 'been there, done that' with more traditional spots.
Last-minute trips
Who needs three-month lead times when spontaneity is so in? A growing number of UAE residents are doing the 'Friday night booking for a Sunday flight' thing – and we support it.
The rise in short-notice getaways means flexible travellers are cashing in on some serious flight deals. Want to leave next week? The apps have your back – and your boarding pass.
City breaks are having their moment
It's official: cities are back. Big time.
Instead of lounging for a week straight, travellers are favouring fast-paced escapes where they can walk 20,000 steps, see five museums and try 12 restaurants in three days.
Mini breaks to cities like Vienna, Tokyo and Prague are stealing hearts (and Instagram feeds). Think more espresso, less endless poolside naps.
So… where to next?
Need some travel inspo?
Travelling from Abu Dhabi is about to be so much faster
Zayed International Airport is the world's first airport to make this change
18 countries offering visa-on-arrival to UAE residents
Here's where to go
UAE citizens now get visa-on-arrival for India: a game-changer for travellers
That quick trip to India just got even easier
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