Expedia report unveils money-saving...

Search data also shows trending summer destinations for UAE travellers

Expedia’s 2025 Summer Travel Outlook report reveals UAE travellers' destination preferences based on search data, as well as money-saving travel hacks.

For those leaving the UAE this summer, Expedia says the best time to travel is early July when holidays can cost 40% less than the seasonal average. Early June is the quietest time to travel while 1 August and 11 August are expected to be the busiest days.

Travellers on a budget should also book flights on Sundays as they can be 16% cheaper than booking on a Friday, according to Expedia.

Based on the UAE's online holiday searches from June to August 2025, Expedia says there has been a surge of interest in Spanish destinations, with the Balearic Island of Mallorca (pictured) showing 150% year-on-year growth, while the Catalan capital Barcelona is also up 75%. Expedia says visitors are attracted by Spain’s culture, climate and cuisine.

Antalya in Türkiye

Beyond Spain, beach holidays remain a focus for travellers. The Seychelles is up 90%, Mauritius 55% and Bali 50%, while Antalya in Türkiye on the Turkish riviera leads the way with searches up 105% compared to last year.

More direct flights from the UAE to Antalya are helping to boost the Mediterranean hotspot, with Dubai-based Flydubai launching seasonal summer flights from 5 June 2025.

Antalya is also popular with families, attracted by The Land of Legends theme park which added Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya, plus Nickelodeon Land, earlier this year.

“This summer, UAE travellers are setting their sights on a range of destinations that combine relaxation with exploration,” said Rehan Asad, Vice President, Global Markets at Expedia.

“The surge in searches for Spanish destinations and idyllic islands reflects a desire for enriching cultural experiences and rejuvenating escapes.”

Notably, many of the trending destinations are medium-haul, as UAE travellers look for destinations that are more accessible, but people are willing to travel further for unique experiences. Orlando in Florida, famed for its theme parks including Disney World, has seen searches rise 55%.

Staycations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah are also popular as residents explore more of their home country to visit new attractions and stay at landmark hotels.

While the new Disney theme park just announced in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is a decade away, teamLab Phenomena recently opened on Saadiyat Island in the capital and new museums, including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and the National History Museum Abu Dhabi are due to open later this year.

For more information, visit www.expedia.com

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