musafir.com, the UAE travel platform, has released its 2026 Annual Travel Insights Report, taking an in-depth look at the evolving preferences, priorities and frustrations of UAE travelers.
This report highlights the key trends that will shape travel this year, identifies top travel priorities and reveals new destinations that will captivate travelers’ imaginations.
Top travel trends for 2026
1. Sustainability and conscious travel
Green choices continue to influence travel, with 35% of travelers actively seeking sustainable options and 60% considering eco-friendly travel despite being price sensitive. Cost (58%), limited availability (42%), and greenwashing concerns (37%) remain barriers. However, sustainability adoption is on the rise, with ecolodge bookings up 18% year-on-year.
2. The impact of technology and social media
Digital tools and AI are increasingly shaping travel plans. 42% of travelers use AI chatbots, and 31% of Gen Z and Millennials in particular rely on AI to create itineraries. Social media platforms influence destination choices, with 52% of Gen Z watching travel vlogs on Instagram, 38% on TikTok, and 44% on YouTube. Influencer content generates interest, but peer reviews remain important to validate bookings.
3. Film and TV tourism (“Set Jet”)
Screen-driven travel is on the rise, with 23% of travelers visiting a destination influenced by a movie or TV show, and Gen Z and Millennials in particular are three times more likely to do so (and three times more likely). Popular destinations include Emily in Paris (France), The White Lotus (Thailand, Sicily) and Game of Thrones (Croatia, Iceland).
4. Heritage and ancestral journeys
31% of expats from the UAE visit their ancestral homeland at least once every two years, and there is strong interest among Indian, Pakistani, Filipino and Egyptian communities. These trips combine family visits and cultural exploration, reflecting a desire to reconnect with roots.
5. Travel dependent on climate and weather
Travel preferences are becoming increasingly climate-conscious, with 42% avoiding extremely hot destinations and 18% actively choosing cooler alternatives.
6. Workcations and hybrid travel
27% of employed travelers combine work and leisure for two to three weeks, preferring destinations such as Bali, Portugal, Greece, Mexico and Thailand. A successful workday requires strong Wi-Fi, a compatible time zone, and a quiet workspace.
7. Mental Health and Wellness Travel
Wellness-focused travel is on the rise, especially among professionals aged 28-38, with 19% of travelers seeking mental health and stress relief through digital detox retreats, silent retreats, forest bathing, and spa experiences.
8. The rise of female-led travel
More and more women are shaping the travel market. The number of women traveling alone is increasing by 15-20% every year, with safety being the number one priority. Popular destinations include Japan, Iceland and New Zealand, while group experiences such as friend trips and mother-daughter trips are gaining popularity in Bali, Morocco, Italy and Greece. Women travelers prioritize safety, health, cultural sensitivity, meaningful connections, and authentic experiences. Millennials make up 60% of this segment, Gen Z 25%, and Gen X 15%.
Travel priorities for UAE travelers
What UAE travelers are looking for:
Authentic Cultural Experiences (65%) – Deeper local connections, traditional food, and cultural workshops. Value for Money (78%) – Affordable luxury with transparent pricing and a quality experience. Convenience and seamlessness (70%) – Easy booking, visa processing, and integrated travel apps. Safety and security (82%) – Important for families, solo travelers, and women. Unique, Instagram-worthy moments (55%) – Especially for Gen Z and Millennials. Personalization (48%) – Flexible and customized itineraries. Wellness and relaxation (42%) – yoga, spa, nature experiences, and digital detox experiences. Adventure and Novelty (40%) – First-time experiences and adrenaline-pumping activities. Food and Culinary Experiences (58%) – Street food tours, cooking classes, and specialty food experiences.
Travel challenges and frustrations
Despite evolving preferences, UAE travelers face ongoing pain points, including:
Visa processing (42%) – unpredictable timelines, complex documentation, and last-minute denials. Price volatility (38%) – dynamic pricing, hidden fees, and currency uncertainty. Inconsistent service (35%) – Gap between marketing promises and reality, fluctuations in hotel quality, unreliable tour operators. Flight interruptions (29%) – Delays, cancellations, overbooking, lost baggage. Information overload (24%) – Conflicting reviews and overwhelming choices lead to decision paralysis.
UAE Traveler Popular Destinations in 2026
Travelers are seeking off-the-beaten-path, authentic experiences in emerging destinations that offer affordability, culture, adventure, and Instagram-worthy moments.
Vietnam – Simplified e-visa, vibrant culture, rich culinary scene, and great value. Saudi Arabia – AlUla, Red Sea Project, mega event driving tourism growth. Oman (Salala) – Kharif season, natural escape and short distance convenience. Armenia – Visa-free access, historic charm, affordable stays, and wine region. Colombia – improved safety, coffee culture, Caribbean beaches, and vibrant cities. Jordan (beyond Petra) – Wadi Rum, Dead Sea wellness and adventure tourism. Kazakhstan – Visa-free, modern cities and unspoiled natural landscapes in Central Asia.
Commenting on the travel trends, Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com, said, “The travel landscape in 2026 shows a clear evolution, with travelers prioritizing meaningful experiences over mere sightseeing. From sustainable travel and workcations to women-led journeys and digital detox retreats, connectivity, convenience and authenticity are key. These insights give the industry a roadmap to meet the expectations of modern UAE travelers.” -TradeArabia News Service
Copyright 2026 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
