Gulf city tops UK travel wishlist for Christmas 2025

Abu Dhabi has been named the UK’s most in-demand Christmas destination for 2025, while Dubai has placed third, according to new data from long-haul travel specialist Travelbag. 

The study, which analyses UK Google search volumes, shows searches for ‘Christmas in Abu Dhabi’ rising 91% over the past three months, the highest increase among all destinations globally.

Vietnam ranked second with an 86% rise, followed by Dubai with an 82% lift in festive search demand. The two UAE cities are the only Middle Eastern locations featured in the top 10, joining long-haul winter-sun favourites including Mauritius, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and Bali. 

The top 10 most in-demand holiday destinations for Christmas 2025, based on an increase in UK Google search volume, are: 

1. Abu Dhabi (+91%)

2. Vietnam (+86%)

3. Dubai (+82%)

4. Mauritius (+56%)

5. Costa Rica (+55%)

6. Maldives (+50%)

7. South Africa / Sri Lanka (+24%)

8. Bali (+23%)

9. Canada / Caribbean / Mexico (+22%)

10. Thailand (+14%)

Taken together, the figures point to strong appetite for winter sun, and Dubai’s recent performance underlines the scale of regional demand. The city ranked as the UK’s fifth most-booked overseas destination for Christmas 2024, with festive bookings up 20% year on year, setting a high bar as Abu Dhabi’s profile accelerates.