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1 in 3 UAE residents plans to travel abroad at least twice this year
3 July 2025 23:40
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)Most UAE residents intend to go on a trip abroad this year, with a third even planning to travel at least twice in the next 12 months, according to the Allianz Partners Travel Index on a survey of 500 respondents in the UAE, conducted between February 11 and 19, the report explores residents' travel plans, preferences, and concerns for the year earners are likely to take up to five or more trips annually, the findings showed. While travel budgets vary with household income, 34% of respondents plan to spend more than $3,000 (approximately Dh11,000) on their next Middle East and North Africa remain the most popular outbound travel regions for UAE travellers, attracting 30% of respondents, followed by the UK and Europe at 26%, the report said. Younger travellers under 30, however, are increasingly drawn to Central America and the Caribbean Islands, signalling emerging destination trends among Gen Z and millennials. The average holiday duration ranges between nine and 15 days, with most travellers preferring to go with family or planning spans up to three months for most respondents, who rely on recommendations from family, friends, and social media platforms - particularly YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram - for travel inspiration. When it comes to travel apps, 45% of respondents say that the most useful feature is the ability to store travel documents digitally. The report also revealed that safety and peace of mind are emerging as top priorities for UAE travellers, influenced by ongoing global events and financial safety is the top concern, cited by 44% of respondents, followed by fears of extreme weather events, financial constraints, and flight travellers are particularly cautious about geopolitical tensions, while younger travellers place importance on securing travel documents and digital assets while abroad. The survey showed that interest in travel insurance is growing, with 26% of respondents planning to purchase policies through travel websites. Among those purchasing insurance, half say their main motivation is to ensure security and peace of mind.
Meanwhile, 35% of respondents highlight medical emergency benefits and coverage limits as the most crucial factors influencing their insurance purchase, especially for extended international trips.
