UAE travel trends shift as European heatwaves make summers unbearable

Time of India

01-07-2025

As extreme heatwaves sweep across Europe in summer 2025, a growing number of UAE residents are reconsidering their traditional travel destinations. Countries like France, Italy, and Spain, once popular summer escapes from the UAE's desert heat, are now facing record-breaking temperatures, sometimes even exceeding those in the Gulf region.
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On Monday, wildfires erupted in Turkey and France, prompting emergency evacuations of over 50,000 people, as an early summer heatwave swept through southern Europe. Health warnings were issued across France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Germany. Even the Netherlands, known for its temperate climate, issued alerts for high temperatures and humidity.
A Chance to Try Something New
Fatima Al Nuaimi, a 34-year-old Emirati from Al Ain, is among many UAE residents altering their travel plans due to rising European temperatures.
She told ABC News that her family has traditionally spent two to three weeks every summer in southern Europe, often divided between France and Italy.
'This year, when I checked the weather in June and July, it was already crossing 35 degrees. We didn't want to be stuck indoors the whole time,' Fatima said.
Fatima said her decision was largely driven by concerns for her two young children.
'When it's that hot, there's very little you can do with kids.
Sightseeing becomes a burden, and outdoor activities are limited. It defeats the purpose of the trip,' she explained.
In search of a more comfortable climate, Fatima and her family chose to travel to Queenstown, New Zealand—a destination they had never visited before. With current temperatures ranging between 14 and 18°C, New Zealand offered not only relief from the heat but opportunities for outdoor adventure.
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'It's winter, so the kids can still be outside, explore nature, and we don't have to worry about overheating,' she said.
The family also found the switch financially sensible.
'Flights were more available, and it turned out to be a little cheaper than our usual Europe trips. We're treating it as an opportunity to try something new,' Fatima added.
A Clear Shift in UAE Summer Travel Preferences
Travel agencies in the UAE are seeing a noticeable shift in consumer behaviour.
According to Vinoli Obeysekara, Head of Sales at Jovial Travels, climate is now a deciding factor for many UAE travellers.
'We are seeing a clear shift in the way people plan their holidays, with
now a key factor in travel decisions,' she told Gulf News. 'Many of our clients are adjusting their itineraries to avoid periods of extreme heat and are showing greater interest in sustainable travel options.'
She also noted an increase in demand for eco-friendly accommodations and responsible tourism.
'There is a growing awareness about the environmental impact of tourism, and travellers are asking for responsible experiences. At Jovial Travels, we are committed to guiding our clients towards choices that are both memorable and mindful of the planet,' she said.
Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Deputy Managing Director of Al Rais Travel and Shipping Agencies, echoed similar sentiments in a statement to The National.
'Summer used to be mostly Europe.
It's still there, but many are waiting until the last minute because of the heat. These last few years, it's getting hotter there,' he said.
Al Rais noted that alternative destinations are growing in popularity.
'Some are choosing alternatives like Cape Town or the Gold Coast. In Cape Town, it's winter, so you get 13 to 15 degrees. Switzerland is still a good option because the mountains help, but overall, people are being more careful.'
What This Means for UAE Travellers in 2025
With European destinations facing climate uncertainty, UAE holidaymakers are increasingly prioritising weather comfort, safety, and sustainability when making their summer travel plans.
From Queenstown's crisp winter air to the coastal coolness of Cape Town, families are discovering new places beyond the traditional European hotspots. For many, this shift is more than a temporary detour, it may signal a lasting change in UAE summer travel trends.
'We're treating this as an opportunity to try something new,' Fatima Al Nuaimi said, echoing what may soon become the new mindset of the modern UAE traveller.