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  3. Skyscanner Reveals Top Travel Insights for 2025

Skyscanner Reveals Top Travel Insights for 2025

20 Oct 2024
  • How have airfare reductions made travel more accessible for UAE travelers?
  • How are new interests in astrology, gaming, and sports influencing travel choices for UAE travelers?
  • What are the most popular destinations for UAE travelers, and why are these locations trending?

Global travel app Skyscanner shares the latest trends shaping industry and traveller behaviour in its Travel Trends 2025 report. While last year was all about cultural exploration, 2025 will build on this as the year of truly shared travel experiences, highlighting the power of collective exploration and discovery.

Built using Skyscanner’s proprietary search data, a specially commissioned traveller survey and trusted industry insights, today Skyscanner reveals its top 10 trending destinations, 10 best-value destinations as well as the future of travel.

Top Budget Destinations for UAE Travelers in 2025

Top Budget Destinations for UAE Travelers in 2025

The best budget-friendly places in 2025 for UAE travellers

When choosing where to go, cost still plays the most important part. Traveling from the UAE to exciting destinations has become more affordable due to recent airfare reductions. Bucharest, Romania, now offers a 35% price drop, making its historic charm and modern flair more accessible. Trabzon, Turkey, with a 31% fare reduction, is attractive for its natural landscapes and rich history. Beijing, China, has seen a 23% decrease, making ancient wonders like the Great Wall more budget-friendly. Tokyo, Japan, with a 22% drop, offers a blend of traditional culture and modern innovation. Lastly, Baku, Azerbaijan, with a 20% reduction, combines futuristic architecture with rich heritage. These reductions are due to expanded flight routes and increased airline competition, providing travellers with great opportunities to explore these destinations at lower costs.

Travel Trends Shaping 2025 for UAE Travelers

Travel Trends Shaping 2025 for UAE Travelers

Collective exploration and discovery top the agenda in 2025

According to the report, travellers are increasingly seeking travel experiences that foster community and collective discovery, aiming for deeper connections and shared adventures.​

The top trends in the UAE include:

  1. Astro-tourism: Astro-tourism combines the adventure of exploring celestial events alongside the mystical insights of astrology. Astrology is something more UAE travellers are enjoying, especially among Gen X, who are seeking a sense of connection with the cosmos. 61% of UAE travellers say planetary and lunar activity, such as full moons and Mercury retrograde, can heighten their sense of emotion and disrupt their travel plans.
  2. Gami-Vacation: With the release of flagship video game titles and new consoles, 2025 is set to be a massive year in gaming. And the excitement won’t just be felt in people’s homes – the world of travel will see the effects as gamers bring their online world into real life and share their love of gaming with others from around the world. 81% of UAE travellers are inspired to book a trip abroad based on locations from their favourite video game.
  3. Sports Mode: The rise of ‘behind-the-scenes’ sports shows like Netflix’s Drive to Survive, Break Point and Full Swing are bringing sports to new audiences like never before, fuelling a growth in sports travel to experience these events and destinations with other like-minded fans in real life. 43% of 25-34-year-olds, and 45% of all UAE travellers, plan to travel either domestically or internationally to see a sporting event in 2025. Their top three reasons include entertainment (65%), feeling of excitement (58%), and getting to see their favourite sporting star(s) in action (44%).

Top Travel Destinations for UAE Travelers in 2025

Top Travel Destinations for UAE Travelers in 2025

The most popular places to travel in 2025

The latest travel trends showcase UAE travellers are increasingly interested in a variety of destinations that offer unique experiences, value, and a mix of culture, adventure, and affordability. Below are the top trending destinations for UAE travellers with the biggest year-on-year increase in searches.*  

  • Siem Reap, Cambodia +226% search increase
  • Nassau, Bahamas +180% search increase
  • Langkawi, Malaysia +150% search increase
  • Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan +127% search increase
  • Abidjan, Ivory Coast +102% search increase

Skyscanner’s Travel Expert, Ayoub El Mamoun, comments: “2025 is set to be the year of collective travel experiences, where the joy of shared adventures and deeper connections will define our journeys. At Skyscanner, we’re excited to see travellers embracing community and discovery, making every trip a memorable story of togetherness. Whether it’s exploring new destinations, experiencing the thrill of sporting events, or connecting with fellow gamers and astro-enthusiasts, the power of collective exploration is transforming the way we travel. We believe that these shared experiences not only enrich our lives but also foster a greater sense of global community and understanding.”

M283 Arabia

BY M283 Arabia

M283 Arabia covers all aspects of men's lifestyle; fashion, sports, self-care, and travel tips and destinations. 

MOROCCO: A Luxury Unlike any other

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The year also promises several new openings, from art galleries to boutique hotels, alongside the re-launch of best-loved landmarks. Britain’s scenic landscapes, frequently featured in films and TV shows, are set to be a major draw in 2025. Explore iconic sites through film location tours or get a glimpse of movie magic on a behind-the-scenes studio visit. And for those seeking relaxation or adventure, from stargazing to wellness, there is plenty to enjoy, too.

California Attracts Middle East Travelers with Family-Friendly Halloween Events

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Halloween in California has evolved from a simple folk festival into a vibrant global cultural phenomenon, attracting visitors from near and far. Every October, the third largest U.S state transforms into a vibrant global celebration, drawing audiences far beyond its American and European roots. For California, the spooky season is making a significant impact, year after year, even in distant regions like the Middle East - thanks to its local festivals, special events and October holiday offerings all focused on family-friendly fun.

From Zombie Bike Parades, Boat Parades of Fright, numerous Boo at the Zoo Events and Pumpkin Festivals galore, California offers state-wide unparalleled family fun Halloween experiences that set it apart from the rest. All the festivals and events are also eagerly awaited and attended by locals, creating great opportunities for everyone to meet, mix and make friends with the welcoming local Californians. With thousands of accommodation options, outdoor adventures and the opportunity to enjoy them all through state-wide road trips, California is quickly becoming a top travel destination for families and young adults from the Middle East looking for a playful destination to visit during the month of October.

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