Travelers prioritize authentic experiences beyond traditional tourism with unique accommodations
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have emerged as highly sought-after vacation spots for 2026 among travelers from Germany, Switzerland, Canada, and South Korea, with many tourists prioritizing high-quality lodging as a core part of their journey. Skyscanner’s Travel Trends Report 2026 suggests that globetrotters are increasingly gravitating toward authentic, “under the radar”destinations that provide novel experiences beyond traditional tourism hubs.
Evolving priorities in regional and global travel
In Germany, Sharjah has seen a notable 101 percent surge in searches compared to 2024, a trend driven by its wealth of cultural landmarks, heritage sites, and beaches, alongside the availability of low-cost flight options. Similarly, Sharjah is a favorite for Swiss travelers, who increased their searches by 99 percent in 2025 relative to 2024. Dubai continues to benefit from its exceptional flight links and visa-free access for Canadians, recording a 16 percent decrease in prices compared to 2024, while Abu Dhabi has gained traction in South Korea following a 27 percent price drop in 2025.
Although the UAE is famous for its iconic landmarks, the report indicates that hotels are now a primary factor in travel decisions. Skyscanner’s Travel Trends Report 2026 reveals that 76 percent of travelers have selected a destination based entirely on the accommodation available. This is particularly true for younger demographics, including 77 percent of Gen-Z and 78 percent of Millennials, who view their choice of stay as the defining element of their trip, providing a sanctuary for relaxation and a total break from daily routines.
Sustained growth in UAE’s hospitality sector
Additional Skyscanner data shows that Dubai experienced an 89.7 percent rise in advance hotel redirect bookings this year compared to 2024. Looking toward next year, visitors intend to lengthen their stays to an average of six days, up from four days in 2025. The UAE’s hotel sector remains a major draw for international visitors due to its combination of high-end luxury, creative design, and unique offerings. Many properties provide premium amenities such as private beaches and pools, or convenient proximity to major shopping centers and theme parks.
Consequently, the UAE is a top choice for 2026 holidays for travelers from the United Kingdom, India, Germany, France, Italy, Türkiye, Australia, and the Netherlands.
Ayoub El Mamoun, travel expert at Skyscanner, noted: “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.”
Dubai tourism and regional connectivity growth
Dubai’s tourism sector is projected to maintain its momentum throughout 2026 with the city’s economy expected to grow by 4.5 percent on the back of sustained visitor numbers and infrastructure investment. A major milestone for regional travel is the upcoming pilot phase of the Unified GCC Tourist Visa, known as the “Gulf Schengen,” which is scheduled for late 2026. This initiative will allow travelers to explore the UAE alongside Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman with a single permit. Furthermore, the retail and entertainment calendar remains packed, with Dubai Duty Free reporting record-breaking January 2026 sales of $235 million, and major events like the Dubai Tennis Championships and the start of Ramadan forecast for February 19 drawing global attention. Travelers can also look forward to improved connectivity via the Wynn Bridge, which will link Dubai to the Al Marjan Island resort development by the end of the year.
Abu Dhabi’s 2030 cultural and tourism vision
Abu Dhabi is rapidly advancing its “Tourism Strategy 2030,” which aims to increase annual visitor numbers to 39.3 million by the end of the decade, bolstered by a significant expansion in its cultural and luxury offerings. A major draw for 2026 travelers is the Saadiyat Cultural District, where landmark projects like the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi are reaching critical milestones, positioning the city as a global hub for heritage and the arts.
To meet surging international demand, Etihad Airways is scaling its global network with increased frequencies across Europe and Asia. A standout feature of this expansion is the first-ever nonstop service between Calgary and Abu Dhabi, launching November 3, 2026.
This historic connection from Western Canada is already driving a 16 percent price drop for Canadian travelers to the region, effectively lowering cross-Atlantic transit costs and positioning the Middle East as a more accessible destination for North American tourists.
Furthermore, the city’s hospitality sector is seeing a surge in “lifestyle” accommodations, including the development of luxury eco-retreats on Hudayriyat Island and the opening of Surf Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest man-made wave facility, which combines high-end lodging with unique sporting experiences. These initiatives are designed to cater to the evolving preferences of Gen-Z and Millennial travelers who prioritize immersive and unique hotel stays.
Sharjah’s strategic aviation expansion
This “under-the-radar” surge for Sharjah is supported by a massive expansion in connectivity. On January 21, 2026, Sharjah Airport Authority announced it welcomed a record 19.48 million passengers in 2025, a 13.9 percent year-on-year increase. This growth is largely attributed to Air Arabia’s aggressive expansion, including new direct routes to Munich, Prague, and Vienna, with a highly anticipated Sharjah-to-London Gatwick service set to launch in March 2026.
Source: economymiddleeast