While 30% of travellers in the UAE have already booked their summer holidays, almost half (47%) are still actively planning their trips, reflecting how travel decisions are increasingly being shaped closer to departure dates. Only 6% say they are not planning to travel this summer.

In today’s complex travel landscape, planning a holiday is no longer just about choosing a destination. Travellers are navigating increasingly layered considerations, coordinating schedules, managing group preferences, comparing multiple route options, and balancing convenience with flexibility throughout the journey.

This shift is also changing what travellers expect from travel platforms. Rather than simply searching for flights, travellers are increasingly looking for tools that help simplify decision-making and reduce friction during the planning process.

Skyscanner’s travel planning features are designed to support travellers through every stage of the journey, from discovering flexible travel options to comparing hotels, car hire and flight routes in one place. Features such as the recently launched Layover Filter help travellers better navigate more complex itineraries by allowing them to compare routes based on layover preferences and transit convenience, while hotel filters help users narrow accommodation options based on the factors most relevant to their travel style.

The growing demand for greater flexibility and control during the travel planning process is also reflected in how travellers are using Skyscanner's tools. Since launching in March 2026, usage of Skyscanner's Layover Filter has continued to grow globally, highlighting increasing interest in comparing routes based on transit convenience and itinerary preferences.

Regionally, Abu Dhabi has overtaken Dubai as the most frequently selected layover airport since April, with usage peaking in mid-May ahead of Eid Al Adha. While travellers in some markets are increasingly opting for direct flights this summer, travellers in countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Portugal and Mexico are Showing the resilience of traveller mindset within the region

Flexibility also continues to shape traveller behaviour this summer. According to the research, 33% of UAE travellers say they remain flexible with their travel plans, while 27% say their trips are still influenced by school holidays or fixed commitments.

The findings also reveal how planning group holidays continues to be one of the biggest travel pain points. Nearly 59% of travellers say organising a group trip is more stressful than moving house, while 33% say aligning on a suitable budget remains one of the biggest challenges when travelling with others.

To help travellers manage these pressures more easily, Skyscanner’s integrated planning tools allow users to compare flights, stays and car hire options seamlessly in one platform, helping travellers coordinate trips more efficiently and make decisions with greater confidence.

Traveller behaviour is also becoming increasingly experience-led, with 86% of UAE travellers saying they are interested in exploring places that feel new or different from the destinations typically seen across social feeds or within their social circles. This reflects a broader shift toward more intentional and personalised travel planning, where flexibility and ease are becoming just as important as the trip itself. Tools such as Skyscanner’s Everywhere Search are helping travellers embrace this mindset by making it easier to discover destinations they may not have previously considered and compare travel options when planning remains flexible.

Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “Travellers today are approaching summer travel with a very different mindset. We’re seeing people spend more time comparing options, looking for greater flexibility and prioritising journeys that feel smoother and easier to navigate overall. The role of travel platforms is no longer just about helping people book flights — it’s about helping travellers plan with more clarity and confidence throughout the entire experience. Whether that’s comparing routes, managing layovers, finding the right stay or coordinating group trips, travellers increasingly want tools that simplify the process and help them make more informed decisions.”

Travellers are encouraged to stay informed and keep up to date with UAE government travel guidance before travelling.