As the UAE prepares to mark its 54th National Day with a four-day weekend, new insights from Skyscanner reveal a clear trend: India has become the most sought-after destination for travellers across the Emirates this holiday period.
With public holidays confirmed for 1 and 2 December, residents are making the most of the extended break, and despite the UAE’s cooler seasonal weather, outbound travel remains at the forefront of plans for many families and professionals. Skyscanner’s search data, collected between July and November, highlights a strong preference for short-haul, culturally rich destinations that balance convenience with familiarity.
Six Indian Cities Dominate the Top Travel Searches
Among all global destinations, six Indian cities have emerged in the top ten most-searched locations for trips between 28 November and 4 December: Kozhikode, Kochi, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, New Delhi, and Kannur.
The appeal lies in a combination of factors, close proximity, frequent direct flights, competitive pricing, and a deep-rooted cultural connection between the UAE and India. Many residents favour quick, comfortable getaways that require minimal planning yet offer maximum variety in food, heritage, nature, and leisure.
Rounding out the top ten are Manila, London, and Cairo – destinations that remain perennial favourites for UAE travellers seeking a blend of family visits, city breaks, and cultural exploration.
Short Trips Take Centre Stage
According to Skyscanner, 79{68ed13eea30464b7e29e2c383bc283d93f414c8f46d51f1f29d8d544faeeaeb9} of UAE travellers searched for trips lasting no more than one week, with most bookings being explored around 54 days before travel. This indicates a strong preference for efficient, well-timed escapes that fit neatly within the long weekend.
On the country list, India ranked first, followed by Pakistan and the UK. Egypt, the Philippines, Thailand, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Sri Lanka also featured prominently, reflecting the UAE’s diverse travel patterns and strong global connectivity.
Why India Ranks First Again
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, noted that the results reflect a familiar trend: seamless travel logistics and cultural resonance drive demand.
“Convenience and accessibility are two major factors when selecting travel locations,” he said. “Flight times between India and the UAE range from three to four hours, and travellers have access to a wide mix of experiences — from leisure to culture to cuisine — making it an ideal long-weekend destination.”
For many UAE-based travellers, India offers something both familiar and revitalising: bustling metropolises, coastal towns, wellness retreats, and heritage-rich cities, all within a single short flight.
Prices at a Glance
While pricing varies by carrier and departure date, Skyscanner’s data shows competitive fares across Indian destinations, with New Delhi starting from AED 1,050 and Mumbai from AED 1,244. Manila leads the non-India list from AED 2,199, followed by London from AED 1,444 and Cairo from AED 1,195.
A Long Weekend That Reflects UAE Travel Culture
As the holiday approaches, the pattern is unmistakable: a preference for short-haul, high-reward escapes, where travellers can immerse themselves in culture and return refreshed before the work week resumes.
