Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are among the most prominent holiday destinations for 2026

Show “Travel Trends 2026” report, issued by Skyscanner Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are among the most prominent holiday destinations for 2026 for travelers from Germany, Switzerland, Canada and South Korea, as travelers choose their destinations based on the enjoyable experiences they provide during their stay there.
In Germany, Sharjah is emerging as a favorite destination for travelers, with a 101% increase in searches compared to 2024, due to the availability of a number of low-cost airlines that reach it, in addition to its abundant cultural and heritage sites and beaches. Sharjah is also a top choice for travelers from Switzerland, with searches up 99% in 2025 compared to 2024.
Dubai benefits from easy air connectivity and visa-free entry for travelers from Canada, recording a 16% drop in prices compared to 2024, while Abu Dhabi is a popular choice for travelers from South Korea with prices falling by 27% in 2025.
Although the UAE includes a wide range of landmarks and prominent tourist destinations, individuals are increasingly keen to make the most of their holidays, and the report reveals that hotels play a pivotal role when deciding to choose destinations.
Skyscanner’s 2026 Travel Trends Report showed that 76% of travelers chose their destinations based on accommodation, with hotels playing a particularly influential role in the decisions of young travellers, particularly Gen Z (77%) and Millennials (78%). These results highlight the importance of accommodation to the majority of respondents and its role in shaping the entire vacation, by enabling travelers to relax in one place and enjoy an integrated experience away from the pressures of daily life.
In separate data published by Skyscanner, Dubai emerged as a preferred destination in 2025, recording an 89.7% increase compared to 2024 in searches and advance bookings for hotels via redirection. This year, travelers are looking to spend an average of six days during their stay, compared to four days in 2025.
With the UAE hosting a large number of hotels, this sector continues to attract travelers from abroad because it combines international luxury, innovative designs, and unique experiences. Some hotels feature exceptional facilities, including private beaches and swimming pools, while others enjoy strategic locations close to the most prominent tourist attractions, including entertainment cities and shopping centres.
This is clearly reflected in the data, which shows that the UAE is a preferred holiday destination in 2026 for travelers from the UK, India, Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Australia and the Netherlands.