Expedia data reveals a 335% increase in travel searches from 9-14 January following the announcement of a top British band’s concerts in Abu Dhabi compared with the same period in 2024

The influx of global entertainment talent, combined with the upcoming race, has seen a 65% increase in travel searches year-over-year between 1-8 December.

Searches for travel to the UAE from residents and global travelers have grown exponentially in the wake of a frenzy of event announcements from some of the world’s most prominent artists.

As temperatures are going down, the UAE is upping its offerings for winter with a roster of global artists and a stellar lineup of events during December and into the New Year.

The UAE has established itself as an epicenter for world-class entertainment with recent concert announcements from global superstars from a multi-award-winning rapper hailing from Boston to the iconic British band behind “Yellow” and “Fix You” which sold out in minutes. At the same time, travelers’ demands are growing for overseas performances such as the long-awaited reunion of the legendary Mancunian brothers that is 15 years in the making.

“The UAE has become a top destination for some of the world’s biggest entertainment acts,” an Expedia spokesperson said. “This demand is driving more visitors to cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi to enjoy international concerts, events, and shows. But it’s not just international tourists taking advantage. Our data shows a rise in UAE residents planning staycations around these performances as well. We’re seeing a growing trend of ‘tour tourism,’ where travelers plan entire trips around concerts by their favorite stars, which is reflected in our latest search figures.”

Global superstars make the UAE an entertainment hub

As some of the world’s most celebrated stars descend on Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is little surprise that many fans flock to see their idols perform live. Interest among international travelers and UAE residents soared, with searches for trips increasing by a staggering 75%^[1]on 16 November compared with the same period last year to see their favorite rapper.

Must see world-class sporting events

The UAE offers a heart-pumping selection of motor racing events which attract petrol heads from around the world for the event in December. The race takes place at a critical point in the sport’s calendar and Expedia is reporting a 65%^[2] surge in travel searches between 1-8 December compared to the same timeframe in 2024, as fans from around the world scramble to make sure they witness the exciting event.

Unforgettable December

As the UAE’s list of events peaks from 6-8 December with motor racing and concerts, so have searches in the UAE with an astounding 210%^[3]increase. This matches the anticipation levels of fans eager to see their favorite artists for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

2025 starts with a bang

Figures from Expedia have seen a remarkable 335%^[4] jump in travel searches from 9-14 January, for the concert happening in Abu Dhabi, where fans of “Yellow” and “Fix You” can hear their favorite songs. This reflects the global nature of the event and further reinforces the UAE as a must-visit destination for 2025.

Expedia’s top trending hotels for a memorable stay

Whether travelers are coming to attend events from 6-8 December from overseas or within the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have some of the world’s best hotels that will make stays memorable and fun^[5].  

Dubai:

1. One&Only One Za’abeel
2. FIVE LUXE
3. The First Collection Waterfront
4. Holiday Inn Dubai Business Bay, an IHG Hotel
5. Rove Downtown Dubai

Abu Dhabi:

1. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
2. Bab Al Qasr Hotel
3. Marriott Hotel Downtown, Abu Dhabi
4. Jannah Burj Al Sarab
5. Grand Millennium Al Wahda

For more information or to book a stay, please visit: https://www.expedia.ae/

###

---

[1] Data based on searches on Expedia.ae between 6 August – 3 November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023

[2] Data based on searches on Expedia.ae between 6 August – 3 November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023

[3] Data based on searches on Expedia.ae between 6 August – 3 November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023

[4] Data based on searches on Expedia.ae between 7 August – 4 November 2024 compared to the same period in 2023

[5] Data based on searches on Expedia.ae between 6 August – 3 November 2024