Skyscanner data has shown Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are popular 2026 holiday choices for travellers in Germany, Switzerland, Canada and South Korea, with people choosing destinations for enjoyable accommodation experiences as part of their trips.
According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends Report 2026, travellers are turning their attention to authentic destinations that fly further under the radar but offer something fresh beyond popular spots.
In Germany, Sharjah is proving to be a top location for travellers with a 101% increase in searches compared to 2024 due to the number of low-cost airlines flying there, as well as its cultural and heritage spots and beaches. Sharjah is also a top choice for Swiss travellers with a 99% increase in searches in 2025 compared to 2024.
Dubai is benefitting from its seamless flight connectivity and visa-free entry for Canadian travellers,witnessing a 16% price drop compared to 2024 while Abu Dhabi is a popular choice for people in South Korea with a 27% price decrease in 2025.
While the UAE is home to a variety of major landmarks and attractions, individuals are now looking to make the most of their holidays, and the report reveals that hotels are playing a key role in their decisions.
Skyscanner’s Travel Trends Report 2026 has shown that 76% of travellers have picked a destination based purely on accommodation, with hotels shaping young travellers’ choices especially Gen-Z (77%) and Millennials (78%). This highlights the importance of accommodation for most respondents and its role in setting the tone for the entire holiday, enabling people to relax in one place while offering a complete escape from everyday life.
In separate data released by Skyscanner, Dubai was a popular destination this year with a 89.7% increase compared to 2024 in advance hotel redirect searches/bookings. Next year, travellers are looking to spend an average of six days during their stay, up from four in 2025.
With the UAE home to a number of hotels, this sector continues to captivate overseas travellers with their blend of world-class luxury, innovative design and experiences. Some hotels boast incredible facilities including access to their own private beach and a swimming pool while some are located convenientlyclose to top attractions including theme parks and shopping malls.
This is reflected through the data, showing the UAE is a popular destination for travellers from the UK, India, Germany, France, Italy, Turkey, Australia and the Netherlands for 2026 holidays.
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “The UAE has always been a popular choice for international travellers thanks to its warm climate, geographical position with easy flight connectivity,rich culture and entertainment options. Hotels have been at the forefront of this growth, meeting the rising demand and elevating the visitor experience. As people increasingly look at destinations based on accommodation preferences, hotels in the UAE are expanding their offerings with family-friendly facilities and services, strengthening the country as an appealing choice for a getaway.”
