- Skyscanner reveals Varna (Bulgaria) and Bilbao (Spain) as the top two trending holiday picks for UAE travellers in 2026.
- A total of 61% of UAE residents plan to take more holidays next year, budgeting to spend more per person.
- The search shift focuses on less-travelled European and Asian destinations offering affordability and rich culture.
- Best Value spots include Davao, Salalah, and Phuket, driven by significant flight price drops.
The UAE travel market is evolving at speed. According to Skyscanner’s new Travel Trends Report 2026, UAE travellers are making a clear move away from predictable, crowded routes toward authentic, value-driven experiences. Leading the charge are under-the-radar destinations like Varna, Bulgaria, and Bilbao, Spain. The data confirms that 61% of UAE residents plan to take more overseas holidays in 2026 than in 2025, driven by a desire for affordability and a hunger for cultural depth.
The report highlights a distinct shift in consumer preference. Rather than solely chasing traditional summer hotspots, UAE travellers are using new flight links and favorable exchange rates to explore destinations that offer maximum culture and scenery for their dirham.
Leading the list of trending spots are those that offer a blend of novelty and heritage. Varna, Bulgaria, claims the top spot with a remarkable 344% year-on-year growth in interest, standing out as an affordable European alternative with its golden beaches and Roman ruins. Spain’s artistic Bilbao follows closely, seeing a 167% growth as travelers embrace its Basque cuisine and bold design.
The adventurous are looking east, with Paro, Bhutan, seeing a 149% growth thanks to its spiritual charm and sustainable travel model. Further notable entries include Basel, Switzerland (70% growth), now more accessible due to new direct flights from Dubai, and Beijing, China (57% growth), returning to the travel radar for culture seekers. Rounding out the top ten are stylish cities like Milan, Italy (40% growth) and coastal escapes like Krabi, Thailand (38% growth).
For the UAE traveller, price is a critical factor, with 67% basing their next holiday choice on the cost of flights and 60% looking at accommodation costs. Skyscanner identified key destinations offering the biggest flight price drops that maximize travel budgets.
The best value spots are primarily in Asia and Africa. Davao, Philippines, leads the affordable category with a massive 21% drop in average flight prices, making it a great budget launchpad for island adventure. Salalah, Oman, also makes the list with a 20% price drop, cementing its appeal as a seasonal favorite for green, cool-weather escapes. Phuket, Thailand, remains a popular tropical getaway thanks to a 19% flight price reduction. Further affordable journeys include Zanzibar, Tanzania (16% price drop), Manama, Bahrain (15% price drop), and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (12% price drop), each offering a smart, culturally rich alternative for the budget-aware traveler.
The Skyscanner Travel Trends Report shows UAE travellers are planning purposeful, budget-aware journeys in 2026. It’s time to look beyond the usual suspects and explore a world of culture and value.
Visit the Skyscanner website to explore the full report and find your next trending holiday!
