From India to Turkiye: Top destinations UAE travellers are choosing for Eid Al Adha 2026
Holiday demand sparks stronger focus on flexible travel choices
DUBAI – As Eid Al Adha approaches, UAE residents are not only preparing for holidays but also reshaping the way they plan their journeys.
New data from Skyscanner points to a major shift in travel behaviour, with residents placing greater focus on flexibility, family experiences and securing better value as they navigate a busier global travel environment.
Search activity surged significantly during the Eid planning period, highlighting strong momentum ahead of the extended break. Travellers are increasingly comparing routes, timings and destinations more strategically in an effort to maximise both convenience and savings.
The latest figures suggest that travel decisions are becoming more deliberate, with holidaymakers balancing shorter regional escapes alongside broader summer plans.
Spike in search
According to Skyscanner, outbound travel searches from the UAE rose by 51% on 26 May compared to the previous week, making it the busiest search day during the Eid planning period.
The increase reflects heightened demand as residents move quickly to secure travel arrangements before peak holiday traffic intensifies. Search patterns indicate travellers are becoming more methodical, taking extra time to assess different routes and booking windows rather than making last-minute decisions.
The trend also points towards rising interest in meaningful travel experiences that prioritise accessibility, practical itineraries and stronger overall value.
Focus on family travel
Family-led travel continues to shape Eid journeys across the UAE. Extended public holidays and school breaks have long encouraged group travel, and new figures suggest that pattern remains stronger than ever.
Earlier Skyscanner research found that 41% of UAE travellers are planning holidays involving family members, including parents, children and grandparents.
The behaviour appears especially noticeable among younger generations. Around 51% of Gen Z adults said they had travelled with parents during the past two years. Among Millennials, 31% reported travelling with both children and parents, while another 31% of Gen Z travellers said they had taken trips involving both parents and grandparents.
Emotional connection also remains a major travel motivator. About 62% of UAE travellers said creating shared experiences and spending quality time together were among the main reasons behind family holidays. Meanwhile, 52% said travel helps strengthen family relationships.
Popular picks
Skyscanner data also revealed a blend of regional and international destinations dominating travel searches during the Eid period.
The five most searched destination countries from the UAE were:
The destination mix reflects continued demand for VFR travel, or visiting friends and relatives, alongside demand for locations offering cultural familiarity, easier connectivity and stronger value during busy travel periods.
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said UAE travellers are becoming increasingly intentional about how they organise both Eid and upcoming summer holidays.
He said travellers are comparing options more carefully and prioritising trips that combine value with shared experiences. He also noted increasing flexibility in travel habits, including exploring alternative routes, changing travel dates and combining short regional trips with longer holidays abroad.
Smart planning
As travel demand builds, digital tools are becoming part of the planning process for many residents.
Skyscanner recently introduced its Layovers Filter, allowing travellers to compare journeys based on stop preferences and preferred layover times. The feature arrives as travellers face more complex itineraries and increasingly crowded travel periods.
The company also advises travellers to remain flexible with dates and nearby airports, compare transit times carefully and book earlier where possible. Additional tools such as Price Alerts are also helping travellers make more informed decisions before holiday demand pushes fares higher.