From London To Fujairah: UAE Travellers' Favourite Global and Local Spots Revealed For Summer 2024

UAE residents are gearing up for a variety of summer destinations, ranging from London's bustling streets to Fujairah's serene beaches, as per Expedia's UAE Summer Travel Outlook.

This year's data indicates a notable rise in both domestic and international travel. July is the most popular and cost-effective month for domestic trips, while August is the priciest for international journeys.

"This summer, UAE travellers are setting their sights on a wide array of experiences, from exploring the vibrant cityscapes of London and New York to unwinding on the pristine beaches of Krabi and Fujairah," said Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations.

Popular City Destinations

UAE residents continue to be drawn to major cities this summer. London, Istanbul, Paris, Bangkok, and New York are among the top choices. London remains a favourite in 2024 with a 35% increase in searches compared to last year. Athens is also gaining traction with a 54% rise in interest, followed by Rome at 16%.

Expedia's Summer Travel Outlook provides essential tips for planning the perfect summer trip. It highlights optimal flight times and reveals trending destinations to help travellers save costs.

Trending Asian Destinations

This summer, UAE residents are eager to explore Asia's wonders. Baku stands out with a 70% surge in interest due to its unique blend of Eastern European and Western Asian influences. Bangkok leads Thai destinations with a 67% increase in searches compared to last year. Thailand's tropical paradises like Krabi (215%), Pattaya (155%), and Patong (100%) are also gaining popularity.

For those seeking picturesque beaches and island escapes, Marbella, Maldives, Mykonos, Antalya, Bodrum, and Bali are top choices for coastal vacations.

MENA Region Hotspots

Residents preferring shorter travel times or visiting family are opting for Middle East and North Africa hotspots. Doha is becoming a prime destination for global sporting events with a remarkable 430% boost from last year. Saudi Arabia is also experiencing a travel boom driven by key events and tourism gems like AlUla.

Trending destinations in Saudi Arabia include Madinah and Makkah, each seeing a 260% increase year-on-year due to Hajj season. Beirut's trendy summer nights are shifting to Alexandria with a 70% surge in searches compared to last year. Hurghada attracts adventure seekers with its coral reefs and marine life, showing a 115% increase in interest.

Domestic Destination Insights

Domestic tourism has nearly doubled across the UAE (112%), with residents choosing local spots to unwind. Dubai stays are trending this summer with an 85% increase. Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah have even higher growth at 110% and 120%, respectively. Fujairah leads with an impressive 151% increase due to its immaculate beaches.

Best Times to Travel

The summer holidays run from June 1 – September 1. Expedia predicts July as the most popular month for travel domestically and internationally. It's also the cheapest month for domestic travel, with average daily rates (ADR) about Dh59 cheaper than June. Conversely, August is the most expensive month for international travel, with ADRs $28 (approximately Dh103) higher per night than September.

For flexible travellers, Expedia suggests flying internationally on August 27 or 30 for quieter days. The busiest dates are July 11 and 19; planning around these can help avoid crowds.

Summer Travel Hacks

Expedia offers valuable tools for booking flights at the best times and saving on fares:

• Set up flight alerts: Use Price Tracking to get notified when flight prices drop.
• Choose morning flights: Flights after 3 pm are more likely to be cancelled; morning flights are more reliable according to Expedia's Air Travel Hacks Report.
• Reserve flexible hotels: Look for properties offering "free cancellation" or "reserve now, pay later" options using search filters.
• Bundling: Combine flights + hotels on Expedia for customisable packages that save hundreds of dirhams on average while keeping itineraries organised in one place.

This trend underscores growing interest in local tourism within the UAE's diverse offerings while providing practical tips for maximising savings during peak travel periods.