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UAE travel: Sri Lanka, Jordan, Morocco among top summer destinations
Emirates reported a 13 percent rise in flight searches from the UAE compared to last year, reflecting strong outbound demand ahead of the peak travel season
- PUBLISHED: Tue 8 Jul 2025, 4:09 PM
UAE residents are searching for flights to Sri Lanka, Jordan, Morocco, France, India and Lebanon this summer, according to new data released by Emirates. The airline reported a 13 percent rise in flight searches from the UAE compared to last year, reflecting strong outbound demand ahead of the peak travel season.
The trend aligns with a wider global shift in travel behaviour. Emirates says overall searches for summer travel are up by 7 percent across its network, with destinations in Asia, the Indian Ocean and parts of Europe gaining the most traction.
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Vietnam sees biggest jump globally
Vietnam recorded a 61 percent surge in search interest, making it the fastest-growing destination on the Emirates network. The airline operates 25 weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang (via Bangkok). The growing demand is tied to Vietnam’s mix of nature, food and heritage sites, with Da Nang offering access to multiple UNESCO-listed landmarks and untouched coastline.
Mauritius, Sri Lanka also see strong growth
Searches for Mauritius are up 41 percent, with Emirates operating two daily A380 flights to the island. Sri Lanka saw a 32 percent rise, driven by interest in beach holidays, cultural sites, and budget-friendly luxury. Emirates offers several daily flights to Colombo.
France, Japan complete top five
France saw a 25 percent increase in searches, with Emirates operating multiple daily flights to Paris, Nice and Lyon. Japan followed with a 28 percent rise, supported by 21 weekly flights to Tokyo (Narita and Haneda) and Osaka.
Who’s going where?
The data shows regional travel preferences vary:
UK travellers are searching more for long-haul destinations like Japan, Sri Lanka and Mauritius.
Indian travellers are focused on Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.
German travellers are showing more interest in Japan, Vietnam, South Korea and the Seychelles.
US travellers are leaning towards Africa, especially Egypt, Kenya and South Africa.
Australian travellers are largely searching for flights to Europe, particularly France and the UK.
Longer holidays for some nationalities
Nearly a third of travellers from India, the UK, Germany and Australia are booking extended summer holidays lasting over a month. US travellers typically opt for 2–3 week stays.
Dubai remains busy inbound hub
Emirates expects solid inbound traffic to Dubai this summer. Solo travellers account for nearly half of visitors from the US, India and Australia, with many combining business and leisure. Family travel remains strong among US, Indian and UK visitors, with stay durations ranging from a few days to two weeks. Younger couples, especially from Germany and Australia, are staying for up to a month.
Culture, faith-based factors shape decisions
Many UAE travellers are also choosing destinations based on religious and cultural preferences. A recent Khaleej Times report highlighted that Muslim families in the UAE are prioritising destinations that offer halal food, prayer spaces and culturally familiar experiences.
Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.