Wego reports 173% spike in outbound searches by UAE travellers in May

UAE travellers are searching for summer holidays earlier this year, with outbound travel searches rising 173% month-on-month in May 2026, according to data from travel marketplace Wego.

 

The increase comes as travellers look to secure flights and accommodation before peak summer pricing takes effect. Average airfares and hotel rates searched during May remained broadly stable compared with previous months, despite growing demand.

 

Short-haul destinations recorded the strongest growth in interest, led by Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. Long-haul demand also increased, with China and Poland among the fastest-growing destinations searched by UAE travellers.

 

The data shows longer planning windows, with UAE travellers starting searches more than a month before departure as they look to secure better value.

 

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Separate findings from travel platform Musafir’s 2026 Annual Travel Insights Report suggest travellers are increasingly seeking more personalised experiences. The report found that 65% of UAE travellers prioritise authentic cultural and dining experiences, while 42% are choosing cooler destinations to avoid extreme summer temperatures. It also found that 27% of employed travellers are planning extended workcation trips, particularly in Southeast Asia and Southern Europe.

 

Airfares from the UAE to several major Arab destinations are expected to be 25% to 35% higher in July 2026 than in June 2026, according to a survey of airline booking platforms reported by UAE newspaper Emarat Al Youm. 

 

Airlines have continued expanding capacity ahead of the summer travel period. UAE carrier Etihad Airways has launched flights to Krakow, Poland, and is adding services to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Zanzibar, Tanzania. Saudi Arabian airline Flynas has also announced new routes to Rome, Munich and Budapest. Qatar Airways is also resuming services to Helsinki, Finland, Tokyo Haneda, Japan, and Philadelphia, US, to cater to the growing summer travel demand.

 

For more information, visit www.wego.com