The Maldives has topped bookings by travelers from the UAE this summer season, accounting for one in every 5 international hotel bookings, according to the latest data from dnata Travel.
Thailand, Mauritius, Canada and Australia were among the five most-booked destinations this summer, an indication of continued demand for Indian Ocean beach holidays alongside growing interest in long-haul destinations, according to a post on the dnata Travel website.
dnata Travel's data showed Canada, Australia, Japan and the United States entering the list of the 10 most-booked destinations, reflecting a trend among some UAE travelers toward longer trips and experience-based destinations.
Mira Kteit, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, said international travel is seeing strong demand this summer, with 9 in 10 hotel bookings going to overseas destinations.
She added that traditional destinations such as the Maldives, Thailand and Mauritius continue to see strong demand, alongside growing interest in long-haul destinations as customers look for more experience-driven holidays.
She explained that domestic holidays within the UAE remain an important part of the market, especially for short weekend breaks, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah among the most popular local destinations this summer.
According to dnata Travel, international travelers stay around 5 nights on average, while long-haul trips last longer, with continued strong demand for 4- and 5-star hotels and the average booking value up 16% compared with last year.
dnata Travel continues to monitor travel demand trends, drawing on its global partnerships to offer special deals, prices and holiday options to UAE customers, as part of its summer campaign focusing on short breaks and last-minute bookings to beach destinations and popular cities.
dnata Travel's offers for summer 2026 include:
Maldives:
A 3-night stay at the 5-star Kagi Maldives Spa Island in a Lagoon Pool Villa, with a free upgrade to full board, 45% savings on the stay, free stay for children, return speedboat transfers and return flights, from AED 7,055 per adult.
Thailand:
A 3-night stay at the 5-star Mida Grande Resort Phuket in a Deluxe Ocean View room on a half-board basis, with 50% savings on the stay, 40% savings on dining, free stay for children and return flights, from AED 4,775 per adult.
Seychelles:
A 3-night stay at a 5-star Labriz resort in Seychelles in a Garden Villa with daily breakfast, 30% savings on the stay, free stay and meals for children and return flights, from AED 7,685 per adult.
Mauritius:
A 3-night stay at the 5-star Long Beach Mauritius, a Sun Life resort, in a Junior Suite on a half-board basis, with 35% savings on the stay, free stay for children and return flights, from AED 6,085 per adult.
Istanbul:
A 3-night stay at the 5-star Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel and Conference Center, with daily breakfast and return flights, from AED 3,250 per person.
To view the post on the dnata Travel website, click here.
