As schools in the UAE gear up to conclude the final semester by July 1, marking a two-month break, numerous families are preparing for summer vacations. An online marketplace reports that travelers are already setting their plans weeks ahead, especially with the anticipation of the Eid Al Adha holidays and the subsequent summer break. The top international destinations for UAE residents this summer, according to Wego, include Egypt, India, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, Thailand, Lebanon, Turkey, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia. Mamoun Hmedan, Wego's Chief Business Officer, noted that this trend highlights the desire of many to visit friends and family in their home countries, most of which do not require visas for GCC nationals. With airfares increasing during the summer, early booking is crucial for securing the best deals. Wego has seen a rise in summer airfares to these popular destinations, with Egypt seeing a 42.72% increase, Jordan 64.08%, and India 32.10%. However, compared to last year, flight prices are generally lower, with drops ranging from 18.36% to 27.63% in destinations like Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and the UAE. Destinations such as Turkey and Thailand are emerging as favorites, indicating a preference for unique tourist experiences and cultural exploration. Flight costs to these destinations vary, with Istanbul starting at Dh651, Amman at Dh1,179, Riyadh at Dh441, Cairo at Dh1,915, Casablanca at Dh2,274, Bangkok at Dh1,395, Islamabad at Dh1,041, Mumbai at Dh1,490, Beirut at Dh1,845, and Djerba at Dh2,430. European destinations like the UK, Germany, and Italy are also popular, with the UK's new ETA system easing travel for GCC citizens. Mamoun highlighted that the summer season and school holidays are peak travel times, with over two million flight searches recorded from the UAE, and expectations of further increases as the school holidays approach.
Text: Lara Palmer
11.06.2024
Popular Destinations Include Egypt, India, and Thailand, with Early Booking Advised for Best Deals