According to the latest data from the online travel marketplace, Summer travel searches from the UAE increased by 173% month-on-month during May, representing one of the strongest pre-summer increases recorded on the platform in 2026.
The findings indicate that travellers are adopting a more deliberate and research-driven approach to planning, with a stronger focus on timing and value when making travel decisions.
Data from Wego shows that average summer airfares and hotel rates searched in May remained broadly stable compared with previous months. This enabled travellers to access competitive pricing despite planning trips closer to the summer period.
The increase in travel activity also reflects changing traveller priorities. Rather than focusing solely on the lowest available fares, travellers are increasingly evaluating factors such as cabin class, hotel quality and itinerary flexibility when selecting travel options.
According to the data, travellers are also beginning their planning process earlier. Search activity indicates that many UAE residents are researching and arranging trips more than a month before departure in an effort to secure favourable pricing before demand intensifies during the summer season.
Regional destinations generated the strongest growth in search activity during May. Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman recorded the highest month-on-month increases among short-haul destinations.
Interest in long-haul travel also continued to grow, with China and Poland among the destinations attracting increased attention from UAE travellers planning summer holidays.
The data suggests that travellers are balancing regional leisure breaks with longer international journeys, while placing greater emphasis on value, flexibility and forward planning as summer demand builds.
Tags:United Arab Emirates Wego
