According to the 'Travel Trends 2026' report by Skyscanner, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah are among the top holiday destinations for travelers from Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and South Korea, who choose their destinations based on the enjoyable experiences they offer during their stay. In Germany, Sharjah stands out as a preferred destination for travelers, with a 101% increase in searches compared to 2024. This is attributed to the availability of several low-cost airlines serving the city, along with its rich cultural and heritage sites and beaches. Sharjah is also a prominent choice for travelers from Switzerland, with a 99% rise in searches in 2025 compared to 2024. Dubai benefits from easy air connectivity and visa-free entry for travelers from Canada, recording a 16% decrease in prices compared to 2024. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi is a popular choice for travelers from South Korea, with prices falling by 27% in 2025. Despite the UAE's wide array of prominent landmarks and tourist destinations, individuals are increasingly focused on maximizing their holiday experiences. The report reveals that hotels play a pivotal role in destination decisions. The 'Travel Trends 2026' report by Skyscanner shows that 76% of travelers selected their destinations based on accommodation, with hotels having a particularly significant influence on the decisions of young travelers, especially Gen Z (77%) and millennials (78%). Some hotels feature exceptional amenities, including private beaches and pools, while others boast strategic locations near major attractions, such as theme parks and shopping malls. This is clearly reflected in the data, which shows the UAE is a preferred destination for holidays in 2026 for travelers from the UK, India, Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and the Netherlands. These results highlight the importance of accommodation for the majority of survey participants and its role in shaping the entire holiday, by enabling travelers to relax in one place and enjoy a complete experience away from daily life pressures. In a separate data release from Skyscanner, Dubai emerged as a top destination for 2025, registering an 89.7% increase in hotel searches and pre-bookings compared to 2024.
