As the academic year in the UAE draws to a close, schools are set to wrap up the final semester by July 1, ushering in a two-month summer break.
Summer Break Travel Surge
This period is a prime opportunity for families to plan their summer travels, and many are already gearing up for their vacations. With the Eid Al-Adha holidays on the horizon, travel preparations are in full swing, with families booking their trips weeks in advance to ensure they get the best deals. This trend of early planning is driven by the anticipation of spending quality time with loved ones and exploring new destinations during the extended break.
Top Destinations for UAE Residents
Wego, an online travel marketplace, has provided insights into the top international destinations favored by UAE residents this summer. According to their data, the most popular destinations include Egypt, India, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Thailand, Lebanon, Turkey, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Business Officer of Wego, highlighted that this trend underscores the desire of many travelers to visit friends and family in their home countries. Most of these destinations are visa-free for GCC nationals, simplifying travel logistics. Hmedan emphasized the importance of early planning and booking to secure the best deals, as airfares tend to rise during the summer peak season.
Wego's data indicates a significant increase in summer airfares to these popular destinations compared to earlier in the year. For instance, flight prices to Egypt have surged by 42.72%, to Jordan by 64.08%, and to India by 32.10%. Despite these increases, the average airfare remains lower than last year's rates, with notable reductions for destinations like Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and the UAE, ranging from 18.36% to 27.63%. These trends suggest a dynamic travel landscape where demand and pricing are influenced by various factors, including seasonal peaks and travel preferences.
Turkey and Thailand have emerged as particularly popular holiday spots, attracting travelers interested in unique cultural experiences. For UAE residents, a return flight to Istanbul starts at around Dh651, while a trip to Antalya costs Dh1,223. For those wishing to visit the otherworldly region of Cappadocia, the lowest fare to Nevsehir is Dh1,299. Jordan, with its captivating landscapes and historical sites like Petra and the Dead Sea, offers return flights to Amman starting at Dh1,179 and flights to Aqaba costing Dh1,612 with two stopovers.
Saudi Arabia, known for its rich cultural heritage and religious significance, is another favored destination. Flights to Riyadh start at Dh441, and to Jeddah, the cost is around Dh670. Egypt, with its blend of ancient history and vibrant cities, offers return flights to Cairo for approximately Dh1,915, with faster flights costing around Dh2,214. Traveling to Sharm El Sheikh, a resort town famous for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, will cost Dh1,612.
Morocco, with its exotic charm and diverse landscapes, is another top destination. The cheapest flight to Casablanca is Dh2,274, with the best deal at Dh3,140. Traveling to Rabat is more expensive, with fares around Dh3,830, while the best deal for Marrakech is Dh2,761. Thailand, a favorite for its bustling cities and serene beaches, offers flights to Bangkok for around Dh1,395. Trips to Phuket and Chiang Mai are slightly more expensive, at approximately Dh1,898 and Dh1,772, respectively.
Pakistan and India remain significant destinations for expatriates returning home for the summer. Return flights to Islamabad cost around Dh1,041, to Karachi Dh918, and to Lahore Dh870. Flights to major Indian cities are also in high demand, with prices for Mumbai at Dh1,490, Delhi at Dh1,590, Kolkata at Dh2,100, Bengaluru at Dh1,880, and Kochi at Dh1,890. Lebanon and Tunisia also attract a fair share of travelers, with flights to Beirut costing around Dh1,845 and the cheapest flight to Djerba at Dh2,430. The best deal to Tunis is around Dh5,160.
In addition to these popular destinations, European countries such as the UK, Germany, and Italy are favored among UAE residents for summer travel. The UK, in particular, has gained popularity due to the new ETA system that allows GCC citizens to travel hassle-free. This summer, the travel industry is witnessing a significant surge, with over two million searches for flights from the UAE recorded on Wego's platform. As the school holidays approach, this trend is expected to continue, reflecting the heightened demand for travel during this peak period.
