10 most affordable destinations for UAE travellers in March 2026

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Aerial view of Kuala Lumpur City Centre park

Skyscanner has revealed the most affordable destinations for UAE travellers in March 2026, with neighbouring GCC cities topping the list. Ahead of the upcoming spring break and Eid holidays, expected to fall between Friday 20 and Sunday 22 March, average fares range between AED499 and AED2,400, with Tuesdays emerging as the cheapest day to fly for most destinations.

From coastal escapes to cultural capitals, here are the 10 best-value getaways from the UAE this March.

1. Muscat, Oman (average return AED499)

Muscat ranks among the most affordable regional destinations, with fares starting at AED499, and Tuesdays offering the lowest prices. A tranquil coastal capital, Muscat blends heritage and modernity, featuring historic landmarks, such as the 16th-century Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, known for its contemporary Islamic architecture. The sultanate’s hospitality pipeline remains strong, with 9,600 new hotel rooms planned by 2030.

2. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (average return AED673)

Riyadh is a popular city-break destination, supported by a growing network of carriers connecting the kingdom with the UAE. Fridays are the optimal travel day, with fares averaging AED673. New attractions add to its appeal, including the recently opened Six Flags Qiddiya City, located a 40-minute drive from the capital. The kingdom remains one of the most-sought-after destinations for UAE travellers, with bookings up 35% year-on-year, and sustained demand expected throughout 2026, according to Dnata.

Six Flags Qiddiya City

3. Kuwait City, Kuwait (average return AED717)

With a flight time of just under two hours, Kuwait City offers an affordable short-haul break, with Monday departures offering the lowest fares from AED717. New tourism projects include Al-Jahra Corniche, a 7km waterfront development opening in 2026, alongside upgrades to heritage sites such as the Red Palace Village. Kuwait has also launched new e-visa programmes and expanded routes on Kuwait Airways to further boost inbound tourism.

4. Baku, Azerbaijan (average return AED1,384)

The largest city in the Caucasus, Baku, is a popular year-round destination thanks to its visa-free entry for UAE residents and growing air connectivity from regional carriers, including Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, which operates six weekly flights from Zayed International Airport (AUH). Thursdays offer the lowest fares, averaging AED1,384. Travellers visiting in late March can experience the springtime Novruz festival or explore Icheri Sheher, Baku’s Unesco-listed Old City, dating to the 12th century.

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Caravanserai in Baku Old City

5. Giza, Egypt (average return AED1,420)

Home to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, Giza offers a classic weekend getaway from the UAE, with fares from AED1,420 and Thursdays highlighted as the optimal travel day. Visitors can explore the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, home to more than 100,000 artefacts, including the full collection of treasures from King Tutankhamun’s tomb. Bucket-list activities include a cruise on the Nile River and rooftop dining overlooking the pyramids.

Hotel preferences steer UAE travellers’ holiday bookings in 2026

10 best‑value destinations for UAE travellers in 2026

6. Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (average return AED1,423)

Jeddah offers a culture-rich Red Sea escape, with average fares from AED1,423 and Sunday departures providing the best prices. Attractions range from the new Red Sea Museum in the Unesco-listed Al-Balad district to landmarks such as King Fahd’s Fountain, the world’s tallest at more than 300 metres. The city’s hospitality sector continues to expand, with Atlantis Jeddah slated to open by 2029, bringing the luxury resort brand to the Jeddah Central Project. In March, Jeddah also welcomes pilgrims travelling onwards to Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan.

Grand Egyptian Museum

7. Alexandria, Egypt (average return AED1,474)

For a relaxed seaside alternative to Cairo, Alexandria offers a slower pace and historical charm with its promenades and cultural sites. Return fares start at AED1,474, with Thursdays providing the best value. Must-see attractions include the historic Bibliotheca Alexandria and Montaza Palace, the former residence of King Farouk, Egypt’s last monarch.

8. Amman, Jordan (average return AED1,576)

Located less than four hours from the UAE, Amman combines accessibility and cultural depth. Flights average AED1,576 with Tuesdays marked as the most affordable travel day. On-arrival visas for UAE residents make it an easy choice for spring or Eid holidays. Visitors can explore historic landmarks such as the Citadel and Roman Theatre, or take a scenic three-hour drive to the ancient city of Petra, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and surrounding desert landscapes of Wadi Rum.

Petra, Jordan

9. Beirut, Lebanon (average return AED2,318)

For a coastal Mediterranean escape, Beirut offers a mix of seaside leisure, lively nightlife and mountain scenery. Fares for the Lebanese capital start at AED2,318, with Tuesdays offering the cheapest prices. Visitors can stroll along Zaitunay Bay, lined with restaurants, shops and marina views, or head to Hamra Street for a glimpse of old Beirut, known for its café culture, mid-century buildings and street art.

10. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (average return AED2,474)

For those seeking a long-haul adventure, Kuala Lumpur delivers a mix of lush parks, multicultural neighbourhoods and modern skyscrapers. Flights start at AED2,474, with Saturdays offering the best value. March marks the end of the monsoon season, bringing warm, relatively dry weather. Key attractions include the Petronas Twin Towers, the Batu Caves and the colourful street markets in Chinatown.

For more information, visit skyscanner.ae/travel-trends/cheap