Dnata reveals the top summer outbound destinations for UAE travellers

The Maldives is the most in-demand destination among UAE travellers for summer 2026, accounting for one in five international hotel bookings, according to data from dnata Travel.

 

The island nation continues to expand its hospitality offering, with recent launches including RAH GILI MALDIVES, one of several new private island resorts opening in the country.

 

Coastal destinations dominated bookings, with Thailand and Mauritius ranking as the second and third most-booked countries for the season.

 

Despite recent regional airspace disruptions, international travel demand remained resilient, with nine in 10 hotel bookings made for overseas destinations.

 

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Travel behaviour data also highlights growing interest in long-haul and experience-led holidays, with Canada and Australia completing the top five most-booked destinations for the summer season. Japan and the United States are also emerging as popular choices, featuring among the top 10 places for UAE travellers. 

 

Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, said: “Internationally, travellers are staying for an average of around five nights, with long-haul trips often extending beyond this. Demand for four- and five-star properties remains particularly strong, with average booking values up approximately 16% year-on-year.”

 

Domestic getaways remain an important part of the market, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah among the most popular weekend destinations.

 

Key offers for the summer travel period include:

• The Maldives: From AED7,055 (US$1,920) per adult for a three-night stay at Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa in a Lagoon Pool Villa, including a complimentary full-board upgrade, speedboat transfers and return flights 

• Thailand: From AED4,775 (US$1,300) per adult for a three-night stay at Mida Grande Resort Phuket in a Deluxe Ocean View Room, including half-board and return flights.

• Mauritius: From AED6,085 (US$1650) per adult for a three-night stay at Long Beach, a Sunlife Resort, in a Junior Suite, including half-board and return flights.

For more information, visit dnata.com