Expedia reveals UAE travelers are eager to explore Christmas markets as Vienna and Rome top the trending destination list, with year-on-year searches up.

A large number of UAE residents are getting into the Spirit of the Union with domestic lodging searches during National Day spiking by 105% for Abu Dhabi, and 60% for Dubai.

Amsterdam emerges as a trending winter hotspot as travelers head to Europe this December and January.

Residents in the United Arab Emirates are embracing the winter spirit with a diverse range of travel destinations, from the sandy beaches of Phuket and Zanzibar to the festive charm of the European Christmas markets, according to the Winter Travel Outlook released by Expedia.

The European festive season evokes a magical charm, with its crisp, chilly air and celebrations straight out of a storybook. It’s no wonder that more and more UAE residents are drawn to this enchanting winter wonderland. However, even if residents can’t quite make it over to Europe, Expedia data shows travelers are still keen to enjoy the luxurious hospitality of the United Arab Emirates.

“UAE travelers are embracing the allure of winter this year with trending destinations ranging from the festive markets of Europe to the sandy beaches of Phuket and Zanzibar, and even the home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi. Our latest data also shows significant year-on-year growth in searches for popular cities such as Paris, up 235%, and London, up 205%,” said an Expedia spokesperson. “We’re also seeing many residents celebrating the season closer to home, with staycations in the Emirates becoming a popular choice during the cooler months.”

Destination Insights*  

• Baku (+515% YoY) and Tbilisi (+210% YoY) lead the trending destination chart as two neighboring winter escapes for UAE travelers, combining easy accessibility, affordable luxury, and festive charm. Just a short flight away, both cities offer high-end hospitality at a fraction of the cost compared to other destinations. Travelers can also enjoy the festive atmosphere and winter sports nearby Shahdag Mountain Resort near Baku or the Gudauri and Bakuriani Resorts in Tbilisi.
• Another trending destination for UAE residents is Doha with Expedia seeing a search spike of 235% due to increased luxury hospitality offerings along with appealing cultural attractions and family-friendly activities, in addition to the ease of accessibility.
• The cooler weather in the UAE also coincides with the National Day celebrations from 1 – 4 December. This has encouraged UAE residents to look for stays in the country, with travel searches for Abu Dhabi rising by 105% and Dubai by 60%.
• While staycations are still on the rise, UAE travelers do not shy away from visiting long-haul destinations, with Rovaniemi, Vienna and Rome being the top preferred destinations during the festive season. With Christmas markets galore for everyone, travelers can enjoy winter activities, seasonal bites and cultural attractions.
• Amsterdam emerges as a new trending destination for UAE residents with an increase in searches of 65%. During this period, the Dutch capital hosts events appealing to tourists including the Amsterdam Light Festival and the Christmas Village on Museumplein.
• Other trending destinations on the list are Singapore, Zanzibar and Phuket, as travelers choose to spend their holidays in a warm climate on a white sandy beach or get lost in the urban scene of the Asian capital, with its diverse food culture and world-class attractions.
• While Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah remain the most popular destinations for UAE residents, London, New York, and Paris still maintain their status as the most sought-after international destinations.

Winter Travel Tips  

These are Expedia’s range of traveler tools that make the journey easier by simplifying bookings, helping save on airfare, and streamlining the planning process. 

• Choose a morning flight: According to Expedia’s 2024 Air Travel Hacks Report, flights departing after 3 p.m. are 50% more susceptible to cancellations than their earlier counterparts, proving it pays to be a morning person.  
• Reserve a hotel with flexible policies: Use Expedia’s search filters to look for properties offering “free cancellation” or “reserve now, pay later,” and opt for the refundable room.  
• Become an Expedia member to save 10% or more on hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide.
• Take advantage of White Friday deals and book your stay on the Expedia app before Dec 4, to unlock additional discounts off hotel stays — bringing total savings to 30% or more.

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Note to Editors:  
*Data from Expedia UAE POS based on searches made from 1 September 2024 – 4 November 2024 versus the same dates in 2023.

* Data from Expedia UAE POS based on travel dates between 1 December 2024 – 1 March 2025.

* White Friday and Travel Tuesday Deals: Book by 12/4/2024 11:59pm in the hotel property’s local time. Stay between 11/21/2024-12/15/2025. Member Prices are available to Expedia® app users and Expedia® account holders. Limited availability, blackout periods.