Wego has identified a clear pattern in summer travel behaviour among UAE residents, with most planning their trips relatively late and favouring destinations that combine easy access, varied experiences and competitive prices.
The travel app and online travel marketplace operating across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) said its latest data shows around 70% of flight searches from the UAE were made in the month before departure. The trend underlines continued demand for last-minute summer bookings, particularly for international holidays that can be arranged shortly before travel.
Convenience, variety and value shape destination choices
According to Wego, destinations that offer straightforward access, a broad mix of experiences and affordable fares continue to draw strong interest from travellers in the UAE looking for quick-to-plan summer breaks.
Georgia
Georgia emerged as one of the preferred choices, supported by its mountain scenery, historic cities and mild summer weather. From the capital, Tbilisi, to the landscapes of Kazbegi and Kakheti, the destination offers a mix of culture, nature and outdoor activities that appeals to travellers seeking variety.
In June, as the summer travel season approached, searches for July trips to Georgia rose by 7.8% compared with the same period last year, while airfares started from AED 1,475.
Turkey
Turkey continues to attract travellers from the UAE thanks to its blend of modern cities, varied coastlines and historic landmarks. Searches for trips to Turkey during the month increased by 34.5% compared with the same period last year, and ticket prices started from AED 1,338.
Wego’s data also showed that the average booking window for travel to both Georgia and Turkey was around 25 days before departure, while between 8% and 10% of bookings to these two destinations were made in the week before travel.
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan also recorded notable growth in traveller interest, helped by its historic Silk Road cities and comparatively cooler summer conditions than some other destinations.
It posted the strongest search growth among all the destinations in the list, with June searches for July travel up 78.4% year on year. Last-minute demand was also evident, with about 17% of bookings made in the week before departure, and airfares starting from AED 1,309.
Thailand
Thailand remains a popular option for UAE travellers, supported by its beaches, diverse cities and the range of activities and experiences it offers across different interests.
For July travel, searches for Thailand rose by 12.7% compared with June last year, with fares starting from AED 2,477.
Vietnam
Vietnam continues to strengthen its position as a destination that draws travellers looking for a combination of nature, local cuisine and cultural heritage, alongside relatively easy access from the UAE.
Searches for flights to Vietnam rose by 23.3% in June compared with the same period last year, with increased interest in July travel. The data showed an average booking window of 27 days before departure, and ticket prices started from AED 1,806.
Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia, rounded off the list of destinations attracting interest from UAE travellers, helped by its beaches, relaxed atmosphere, cultural diversity and rich natural scenery.
During June, searches for July trips to Bali rose by 24.2% compared with the same period last year. Wego’s data showed an average booking window of around 28 days before departure, indicating that travellers tend to plan Bali trips slightly further in advance. Airfares started from AED 3,009.
Maemon Hamdan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said: «تعكس أنماط الحجز هذا الصيف توجهاً واضحاً لدى المسافرين من دولة الإمارات نحو التخطيط المرن، حيث باتوا يركزون بشكل أكبر على الوجهات، التي توفر سهولة الوصول، وقيمة حقيقية، وتجارب متنوعة تناسب مختلف أنماط السفر، ولا تزال الوجهات التي تحقق هذا التوازن تستقطب اهتماماً كبيراً خلال موسم الصيف».
With summer travel demand continuing, destinations that balance accessibility, variety and value are expected to remain among the top choices for UAE travellers.