Expedia reveals most popular island destinations for UAE travellers

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Valletta, Malta

Island escapes are experiencing a strong upswing in demand among UAE travellers, according to Expedia’s newly released 2025 Island Hot List, which reports a 30% global jump in interest for tropical getaways this year.

While Expedia’s global top 10 ranking highlights perennial favourites such as the Maldives, Bali, Fiji and Koh Samui – plus rising hotspots Sardinia and Paros – the island destinations resonating most with UAE residents are shaped by factors such as direct connectivity, seasonal value and cultural appeal, with demand for experiences rooted in authenticity and community.

This is aligned with Wego’s latest data, which suggests growing demand from GCC travellers for "authentic, experience-led holidays that offer deeper engagement".

According to Expedia’s latest report, a blend of data and traveller sentiment, rising island hotspots for UAE travellers include the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Cyprus, the Indian Ocean islands of Madagascar and the Seychelles, plus Phuket in Thailand.

Valletta in Malta

Malta continues to draw in travellers from the UAE, with searches for this Mediterranean destination rising 170% thanks to its vibrant mix of historic cities, ancient temples, pristine beaches, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters and outstanding food.

Cyprus has seen a sharp 170% increase in interest among UAE travellers, driven by its accessible Mediterranean setting, reputation for affordability and mix of sandy beaches and historic sites, from Byzantine monasteries to ancient ruins.

Expedia reveals set-jetting hotspots for UAE travellers

Download the 2025 Connecting Travel Insight Report

Across the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles stands out with a remarkable 205% jump in UAE search interest, a trend supported by the launch in May 2025 of six-weekly Abu Dhabi–Mahé flights by Etihad and Air Seychelles.

For travellers keen on lush resorts, tranquil beaches and world-class snorkelling, Mahé is tempting, though its allure extends beyond relaxation to jungle landscapes, botanic gardens and wildlife reserves.

Eden Island At Victoria In Mahe Island Seychelles.

Madagascar, up 265% in searches from the UAE, is celebrated for its biodiversity, rainforests and otherwordly landscapes, offering an outdoor experience that goes beyond the typical beach escape.

As the world’s largest island, filled with baobabs forests and rainforests, the African island hosts 100 species and subspecies and is renowned as the only place on earth to see lemurs in the wild.

Phuket continues to attract Gulf travellers as one of the region’s most popular visa-free options, with UAE searches up by more than 200%.

Beyond classic luxury resorts and white-sand beaches, Phuket appeals to visitors interested in culture, local food and heritage walks, with its Old Town, flea markets, nature tours and temples, heightened further by its appearance in the latest season of The White Lotus.

Big Buddha statue in Phuket, Thailand

For those planning an island holiday, travelling in September is particularly advantageous as prices typically drop and the weather remains pleasant across most destinations outside the Caribbean’s hurricane belt.

Expedia suggests activating price tracking for live fare alerts and recommends booking accommodation and flights as a package to secure greater savings.

Expedia’s global Island Top 10 Hot List:

Aruba – Best for year-round sunshine
Bali, Indonesia – Best for relaxation
Dominican Republic – Best for adventure
Fiji – Best for community
Jamaica – Best for culture
Koh Samui, Thailand – Best for affordable luxury
Maldives – Best for romance
Oahu, Hawaii – Best for surfing
Paros, Greece – Best for nightlife
Sardinia, Italy – Best for food lovers

The Expedia Island Hot List is based on an analysis of factors including Expedia travel data, accommodation rates and quality (based on real traveller reviews), accessibility, air connectivity, weather and seasonality, tourism appeal and traveller safety and inclusivity, as informed by travel advisories and traveller sentiment.

For more information, visit www.expedia.com