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Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Some UAE residents spend up to Dh44,000 on summer break travel; is it worth it?
From tropical getaways to long-awaited family reunions, UAE residents are digging deep into their pockets this summer, some spending over Dh10,000 per person to travel the world. According to a survey conducted by Toluna, a consumer insights provider, 24 per cent of the surveyed UAE residents are expected to spend Dh10,000 on their travels per person. Some residents are even spending three times as much for a two-week trip. Dh30,000 solo trip Maitha Alhammadi, a fifth-year medical student, went on a solo two-week trip to Germany for a medical training opportunity. She said she chose Germany for the good training programme and also a break from the UAE summer heat. In total, she spent around Dh30,000 in the two weeks she stayed in Hamburg, Germany. The breakdown for the trip is as follows: Dh6,000 for the plane ticket; Dh10,000 for the hotel; approximately Dh3,000 for transport; Dh4,000 for everyday meals (excluding grocery costs); and Dh7,000 for additional expenses like shopping. She had already visited Germany five years before, and said she had a good idea of how much she will be spending on this trip. However, Maitha didn't account for the rising costs, so her spending far exceeded her initial budget. 'Comparing the currency, going to Turkey would be much cheaper than going to Europe since the euro is expensive. But anywhere that's considered a tourist area is expensive,' she said. Despite the pricey trip, Maitha said it 'was worth it to improve my skills and to escape the hot weather, but nothing beats the UAE environment", referring to the 'kind' and 'welcoming' nature of people in the Emirates. 'Cheap' country, costly trip Salem Hassan has been meaning to travel to Brazil with his spouse and five-year-old child for years, but the pricey plane tickets put him off, especially during the summer months. After much thought, he decided to finally purchase three flight tickets from Dubai to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, costing him a whopping Dh30,000 for the entire family. With apartment rental and everyday costs, that totalled Dh43,000. 'We still have a few days left so I'm sure we will spend more on gifts, so the trip in total will cost us 44,000," said Salem. He said that even though spending inside the country itself was 'cheap' and affordable, the tickets themselves took a toll on his wallet. 'This is the most expensive trip I took in my whole life, with the reason being the tickets, even though the country is pretty cheap. The tourist activities that we did didn't cost us that much,' Salem explained. He had set a budget, which he said was enough and his spending didn't exceed it. Salem added that even though he enjoyed the country because of its nature and the chance to see his family, he will most likely not come back again next summer 'to save on flight tickets". In the survey conducted by Toluna, it said that Turkey was the most popular destinations this summer for UAE travellers. Haleema Abdalla went with a group of four people to Turkey and spent between Dh5,000 to Dh6,000 per person, which includes ticket prices, activities, and everyday expenses. She said that she felt prices have increased this year and that she noticed many products and services translated into Arabic, whereas it used to only be in Turkish. Haleema speculates it's because 'the Arabs have been reluctant to go to Turkey". According to figures by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, there has been a dip in Arab tourists visiting the Eurasian country, declining 20 to 40 per cent during the past two years. Still, Haleema said she liked this trip and hopes to repeat it again next year.
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Some UAE residents spend over Dh10,000 per person on summer travel
Some UAE residents are spending more than Dh10,000 per person per trip on international travel and tourism this summer, according to a new study released on Wednesday. Released by consumer insights provider Toluna, the survey found that 24 per cent of UAE travellers plan to spend over Dh10,000 per person on their trips, while 26 per cent expect to spend between Dh7,500 and Dh10,000, 21 per cent between Dh5,000 and Dh7,500 and 22 per cent between Dh2,500 and Dh5,000. The survey found that Turkey holds broad appeal among UAE travellers, especially among those aged 29 to 44. Younger travellers aged 18 to 28 show strong interest in tropical destinations like the Maldives and Malaysia, while older travellers prefer more familiar or accessible locations. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Japan is more popular among younger and middle-aged groups than among those aged 45 to 60. India, the second most mentioned destination overall, sees its highest interest among older respondents, but this is almost entirely driven by expat Asians returning home for the holidays. Thanks to high per capita and disposable income, the UAE residents travel to different countries during the summer, mainly to cooler climes in Europe and other tropical destinations. Destination planning According to the survey, 60 per cent of respondents plan to travel internationally this summer, while 21 per cent are opting for leisure trips within the Emirates. 15 per cent were not sure if they would travel, and only 4 per cent reported having no travel plans, highlighting a strong appetite for summer exploration. When it comes to choosing travel destinations, safety and security and natural scenery rank as the top priorities for all UAE travellers. Just over one-third of Emiratis are more likely to emphasise shopping and gastronomy, while just 22 per cent cite visiting family or friends. Among expat travellers, 43 per cent cite spending time with relatives as a key reason for travel, reflecting the tradition among many expatriates of returning home during holidays. Among Emiratis, top destinations in 2025 include Saudi Arabia, the UK, and the US, reflecting both regional accessibility and aspirational long-haul interest. In contrast, expats show more diverse travel intentions. India leads at 11 per cent, driven predominantly by expat Asians, with nearly one in four (23 ) planning to travel there. Other top choices include Turkey, Thailand, Japan, and the UK. AI assistant for planning Among the tech-savvy UAE population, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) is growing not just in workplaces, but also in other aspects of life, such as planning for travel and tourism. The survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 — 87 per cent — of UAE residents use generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini to help plan their travel trips. Nearly half — 46 per cent — of UAE residents said they use AI assistants for activity suggestions, 42 per cent for translation, 41 per cent to find the best deals, 38 per cent to uncover hidden local spots, 37 per cent for restaurant recommendations, 31 per cent to optimise itineraries. 'From discovering local gems to organising daily plans and navigating foreign languages, generative AI is finding its way into every aspect of travelling. What stands out is how AI is breaking generational boundaries, not just digital natives, but older travellers, too, are embracing these tools, with around 40 per cent of 45-60-year-olds using AI for deals, activities, and translation,' said Danny Mendonca. 'The shift we're seeing confirms that adoption of AI chatbots is not a future trend; it's a present-day reality that's reshaping behaviour across age groups,' he said.
Business Recorder
01-08-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Pak firms ‘71.3pc professionals apprehended risks of cybersecurity'
ISLAMABAD: A leading cyber security company disclosed Thursday that 71.3 percent professionals working in Pakistani companies apprehended risks of cybersecurity incidents during use of computers. This was the result of a survey carried out by the cyber security company. The survey was conducted by Toluna research agency at the request of Kaspersky in 2025. The study sample included 2,800 online interviews with employees and business owners using computers for work in seven countries: Türkiye, South Africa, Kenya, Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. One of the core reasons why businesses remain vulnerable to cyber threats is that they underestimate their risk or overestimate the strength of their existing defences. According to a recent Kaspersky survey entitled 'Cybersecurity in the workplace: Employee knowledge and behaviour', 71.3 percent of professionals surveyed in Pakistan, whose work requires the use of computers, asses the risk of a cybersecurity incident happening to their company as quite possible. Commenting on the probable consequences of a cybersecurity incident, 73.8 percent of employees surveyed supposed that it might seriously affect the company. This understanding of risks comes not only from general cybersecurity awareness, but also from knowledge about cyber incidents in their organizations: 53 percent of respondents acknowledged such incidents happened in the past 12 months, while an additional 19 percent said they have heard about these incidents from colleagues. Organizations nowadays face a variety of cyber threats ranging from phishing and business email compromise to ransomware and advanced persistent threats. In a lot of these attacks, the entry point into the organization's network is via a human mistake, and it is for that reason attackers actively employ social engineering techniques and AI tools to make their efforts more effective. The survey shows that the majority of respondents understand that cybersecurity is an issue that should be considered by the IT department, while 23 percent also mentioned top level executives and 12.8 percent cited legal and financial employees as core groups within the business who should keep cybersecurity issues in mind. Only 37.8 percent of employees surveyed viewed cybersecurity as an issue that should be considered by all employees across the entire business. To help organizations strengthen their defences, Kaspersky believes that employee education and cybersecurity training is necessary as human error is a common cause for cybersecurity breaches, the survey added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Arab News
13-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Majority Saudis use AI tools to make travel decisions: Survey
RIYADH: Saudi travelers are increasingly relying on smart technologies, with 87 percent using generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to plan and manage their vacations, according to a survey. In its latest report, global consumer insights provider Toluna revealed that 46 percent of Saudi travelers are using AI assistants to discover activities, while 43 percent use them for translation purposes. These findings align with the broader trend observed in the Kingdom, where the number of people using AI tools is increasingly rising. In June, a report prepared by Google with UK-based research agency Public First showed that 80 percent of Saudi adults use AI tools, with one in three utilizing them regularly. This is nearly double the share of adults in the US who report using large language model-based chatbots, which stood at 52 percent according to a study by Elon University in North Carolina. 'AI is becoming a trusted travel companion, and not just among younger generations. From finding hidden gems and translating on the go, to getting activity suggestions, young Saudi travelers are making the most of AI to enhance every part of their journey,' said Georges Akkaoui, enterprise account director Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa at Toluna. The survey said 43 percent of Saudi travelers use AI to find the best deals, while 31 percent rely on these technologies to optimize their itineraries, and 38 percent use them for restaurant suggestions. 'What is interesting is that this (use of AI) is not limited to the tech-savvy; we are seeing notable adoption even among older travelers, with over 40 percent of 45–60-year-olds also using AI for deals, activities, and translation,' said Akkaoui. He added: 'In fact, less than 15 percent of respondents are not using AI for their travels. This shows that generative AI is no longer niche, it is becoming mainstream, cross-generational, and it is already reshaping how people prepare for and experience their trips.' These findings also underscore the progress of AI adoption in Saudi Arabia, with the technology emerging as a key component of the Kingdom's post-oil economic development strategy. According to the Global AI Competitiveness Index released in January, the Kingdom ranked 15th globally in research output in the sector, having produced 29,639 AI-related publications. This ranking places it among the top contributors to global research and highlights its emerging role as a regional technology leader. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, in partnership with Google, launched Project Transcendence in 2024, a $100 billion undertaking, as part of its efforts to advance the growth of AI. The initiative is set to bolster the growth of local tech startups, generate employment opportunities, and foster collaborations with global technology firms, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of regional innovation. Traditional sources remain strong Despite the significant adoption of AI tools in the travel sector, traditional information sources, along with influencers and online recommendations, continue to play an important role in shaping travel decisions among Saudi travelers. The Toluna survey said 41 percent of the Kingdom's travelers still rely on recommendations from family members and friends. Some 46 percent of Saudi travelers prioritize safety and security when selecting destinations, while 48 percent consider scenery as the decision-making factor. 'Despite having access to more information than they can possibly digest, and probably because of that overload, many still turn to those they trust for inspiration, with family and friends remaining an important source of travel recommendations,' said Akkaoui. 'At the same time, it is not surprising that, as with other aspects of their lives, younger travelers also rely on influencers and online recommendations for ideas and inspiration, showing how digital and personal guidance now shape the travel journey side by side,' he added. Meanwhile, 47 percent of the respondents plan to travel internationally this summer, while 37 percent are opting for leisure trips within the Kingdom. Only 4 percent of respondents reported having no travel plans, highlighting a strong overall appetite for summer travel. Underscoring the growth of domestic tourism in May, Saudi Arabia's Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb said the Kingdom is placing human-centered travel at the forefront of its tourism strategy, focusing on authentic cultural experiences, meaningful interactions, and community engagement. He added that this people-first approach is designed to balance the nation's rapid infrastructure development with heritage preservation and stronger community connections. The National Tourism Strategy targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030, after surpassing the 100 million milestone ahead of schedule, with official data showing the Kingdom welcomed 116 million tourists in 2024, exceeding its annual target for the second consecutive year. Turkiye, the most preferred destination The survey found that 19 percent of Saudi travelers prefer Turkiye as their favorite destination to visit, followed by Egypt at 15 percent, the UAE at 14 percent, and the US at 10 percent. Additionally, 8 percent of respondents are heading to Switzerland, 7 percent to the UK, France, and Thailand, while 6 percent have chosen Italy as their summer destination. 'While Turkiye remains the top destination across all age groups, younger travelers show a stronger interest in long-haul and East Asian locations. For example, Japan appeals to 14 percent of 18–28-year-olds, compared to just 3 percent of those aged 29–44, and 0 percent among travelers aged 45–60,' said the report. In contrast, 14 percent of older travelers aged between 45 and 60 are planning a trip to the UK, a destination that sees less interest from younger respondents as a summer getaway. In terms of spending, most international travelers are willing to invest significantly in their summer experiences. The report also said 40 percent of Saudi travelers are planning to set aside more than SR10,000 ($2,666.39) per person on their trips, while 22 percent expect to spend between SR7,500 and SR10,000. Some 21 percent of the respondents are ready to spend between SR5,000 and SR7,500, while 15 percent are planning to budget between SR2,500 and SR5,000. The report further said that 40 percent of respondents regularly use eSIM cards while traveling, with 21 percent having tried it before and 20 percent expressing interest despite limited familiarity. 'The evolving travel preferences of Saudi residents reflect broader global shifts toward more connected, experience-driven tourism,' said Akkaoui. 'Whether it is the desire for natural beauty, the pursuit of cultural depth, or the appeal of cooler summer climates, today's travelers from the Kingdom are more informed, digitally empowered, and adventurous than ever before,' he added.
Gulf Today
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Today
DEWA's Green Charger Initiative powers EVs in Dubai with more than 39,159 MWh of electricity in decade -
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), announced that DEWA's Green Charger initiative has witnessed a 23.6% increase in electric vehicle (EV) charging use at the end of Q1 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Since the programme's inception in 2015, DEWA has provided more than 39,159 MWh of electricity for EV charging across Dubai, powering a cumulative EV distance of 195 million kilometres. "We support the transition towards green mobility and net zero by reducing the carbon footprint in the transport sector, enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE and Dubai in the electric vehicle sector, in line with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy and the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030,' said Al Tayer. Since 2015, Dubai has seen a significant increase in EV adoption, with numbers rising to more than 39,000 by the end of Q1 2025, with 5.41% increase compared to Q1 2024. This growth has greatly advanced the emirate's plans to shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly transport. The number of EV owners registered under DEWA's EV Green Charger initiative has expanded from just 14 in 2015 to 20,903 by the end of the end of Q1 2025. Dubai's EV charging infrastructure now includes over 1,100 charging points across DEWA's network and licensed charge point operators (CPOs). EVs are witnessing an increase in demand in the UAE. In a comprehensive survey conducted by global company Toluna, it was found that 73% of the UAE population prefers to buy EVs. EV Green Charger Stations are available around the clock at key locations across Dubai. Customers can easily find charging station locations through DEWA's website ( smart app and 14 other digital platforms. DEWA offers four types of chargers: ultra-fast, fast, public and wall-box. DEWA enables customers to create an EV account through its website, smart app or interactive voice response (IVR) system at its Customer Care Centre. Once a customer registers their vehicle with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, DEWA creates an EV Green Charger account, giving them access to its stations where they can charge their vehicles within an hour. Unregistered EV users can also use DEWA EV Green Chargers by using the guest mode feature. WAM
