Data from Wego, the largest travel application in the Middle East and North Africa, has revealed a significant surge in interest for winter trips to the United Arab Emirates, driven by the mild weather and the variety of shopping and short-stay experiences available in the cities.
Search statistics on Wego indicate that both international and regional travelers are increasingly planning winter vacations to the UAE, with a notable increase of 20% in trips from India and 42.74% from Egypt year-on-year, highlighting a broad expansion of demand across various markets. Dubai and Abu Dhabi emerged as the most sought-after destinations within the UAE, accounting for 80% of total search queries, alongside a rising interest in quick getaways and short stays.
Wego also noted a shift in travel planning patterns, with travelers typically making plans about 30 days in advance; however, 22% of searches are for last-minute bookings, reflecting a blend of early planning and spontaneous reservations during the winter season.
Shopping is identified as a key factor influencing travelers’ decisions, with events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival and various promotional activities shaping travel trends. Additionally, the diversity of restaurants, entertainment options, and waterfront areas further enhances the appeal of short trips.
During the peak holiday season from December 2025 to January 2026, Wego recorded over two million searches for flights to the UAE, with a 7% increase in hotel searches and 5% in flight inquiries compared to the previous year, reflecting continued interest in urban leisure travel.
Wego enables travelers to search, compare, and book through hundreds of airlines and hotels, leveraging the advantages of real-time data and price comparison tools, as well as booking alerts, to simplify planning during the busiest travel periods. It affirms the ongoing status of Dubai and Abu Dhabi as leading winter destinations, bolstered by advanced infrastructure and a variety of experiences that blend shopping, dining, and entertainment in the cities.