As 2025 draws to a close, UAE travelers are looking ahead to a new era of purposeful and passion-driven journeys. According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends Report 2026, travel in the coming year will be more personal, intentional, and emotionally fulfilling. Based on global platform data and consumer insights, travelers from the UAE are crafting their itineraries around what inspires them most — from book-inspired escapes and beauty-driven adventures to family reunions and mountain retreats.
Ayoub Al Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, explains:
“With 2026 approaching, UAE travelers are seeking experiences that reflect their passions — be it beauty shopping, reading, or quality time with loved ones. This shift marks a new chapter in travel: one that’s more meaningful, mindful, and deeply personal.”
The Seven Defining Travel Trends for 2026
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Stay-Driven Destinations
Accommodation is no longer just a place to sleep — it’s becoming the destination itself.
A remarkable 76% of UAE travelers say they choose their travel destination primarily based on the hotel or resort. From immersive wellness stays to architectural boutique retreats, the accommodation experience has become the heart of the journey.
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Glow Getters and Beauty Voyagers
Beauty and wellness tourism is booming.
55% of UAE travelers purchased skincare or beauty products during past trips, while 45% plan to book beauty treatments or visit beauty boutiques abroad in 2026.
Interestingly, 37% believe beauty experiences are more affordable — and often superior — overseas, sparking a rise in beauty-centric getaways.
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Shopping as Cultural Discovery
For many travelers, retail is now part of cultural exploration.
83% of UAE travelers say they visit local supermarkets and shops while abroad, and 57% believe food products and local goods reveal the essence of a country’s culture.
From artisan markets in Italy to grocery aisles in Japan, shopping has evolved into a gateway to cultural connection.
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The Rise of Mountain Escapes
High-altitude travel is taking center stage.
A stunning 92% of UAE respondents are planning trips to mountainous regions in summer or autumn, citing fresh air and pleasant weather as the main draws.
Whether it’s the Alps, the Dolomites, or Georgia’s Caucasus peaks, mountain destinations promise renewal and serenity.
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Literary-Inspired Journeys
Book lovers are taking their passions on the road.
78% have considered booking a trip inspired by a literary work, and 70% say reading is an essential part of their travel ritual.
From wandering the streets of Paris like in Les Misérables to exploring Tokyo through the lens of Murakami, literature is shaping the world’s next travel maps.
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Travel to Connect
Connection is becoming the new luxury.
82% of UAE travelers expressed interest in traveling to meet new people, while 32% said they aim to explore different cultures through direct human connection.
Shared experiences — whether through local communities, workshops, or cultural exchanges — are redefining what makes travel memorable.
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Family-First Adventures
Family travel continues to thrive, with 41% of UAE residents planning multi-generational trips in 2026.
Over 31% said they’ve already traveled with parents or grandparents in the past two years.
These journeys offer not just togetherness, but also opportunities to strengthen family ties through shared discovery and emotional connection.
Conclusion:
The Skyscanner 2026 Travel Trends Report paints a clear picture: UAE travelers are no longer chasing destinations; they’re chasing meaning. Whether it’s a rejuvenating mountain escape, a literary-inspired trip, or a beauty-focused retreat, 2026 will celebrate travel with purpose, emotion, and individuality — the new essence of luxury travel.
