UAE travelers face stress when booking holidays, according to a new YouGov report, which reveals significant insights into the challenges residents encounter while planning their trips. The report underscores that despite advancements in technology, a considerable number of UAE residents continue to experience anxiety over various aspects of the travel booking process. This article delves into the study’s findings, highlighting the most common stressors and examining the patterns of travel behavior among UAE residents.
A new report by YouGov highlights key stress factors for UAE residents when booking travel in 2025. This comprehensive study found that more than two-thirds of travelers experience at least one stress point during the process.
“Advances in technology, such as AI-driven recommendations and mobile-friendly platforms, are transforming how travelers research, compare, and secure their trips. But not every traveler is taking advantage of these tools, or the tools aren’t necessarily helping with the most impactful pain points, leading to continued stress for UAE travel bookers,” stated Zafar Shah, Account Director of Data Services, YouGov MENA.
The report reveals that selecting luggage allowance is a significant concern for 47 percent of UAE residents, followed closely by issues related to booking rental cars (37 percent), accommodation (36 percent), and airport transfers (34 percent). The challenges continue with obtaining travel insurance (34 percent) and booking flights (27 percent). Other factors contributing to stress include choosing the right destination, comparing prices, and securing preferred travel dates.
One in three UAE residents plan three or more trips in 2025
The research indicates that one in three UAE residents intends to embark on at least three trips in 2025. These booking patterns reveal a diverse mix of do-it-yourself (DIY) planners who rely heavily on comparison websites and those who prefer package deals. DIY bookers predominantly use these platforms to secure the best prices (77 percent), check for room rates (63 percent), and compare different accommodation options (58 percent), among other important factors.
The report also assesses travel agencies and booking platforms according to customer satisfaction, providing valuable insights into consumer preferences. Booking.com emerges as the top platform based on net customer satisfaction, scoring 62.5, followed by trivago (55.6), Expedia (53.6), Wego (50.9), and MakeMyTrip (49.5).
The study is grounded in survey responses from UAE residents and provides a detailed examination of travel behaviors and booking trends, further illustrating that UAE travelers face stress when booking holidays amid a myriad of choices and technological advancements.