Allianz Partners Travel Index reveals UAE travel trends of 2025
New research from Allianz Partners Travel Index 2025, has unveiled the top international travel destination for surveyed respondents in the UAE in 2025, as outbound travel continues to bounce back with confidence and renewed enthusiasm.
The research surveyed 500 UAE adults on their travel plans, preferences, and concerns for the year ahead – and the results are in.
According to the report, 98% of respondents in the UAE are planning to travel in 2025 with the top destinations named as:
- Middle East and North Africa
- UK and Europe
- Asia
- North America and Canada
- Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other pacific islands
While regional destinations within the Middle East and North Africa remain the number one choice for respondents in the UAE overall, younger travelers aged 18-29 are increasingly drawn to Central America and the Caribbean Islands (11%) – a notable jump compared to the general population (5%).
How long and how often are the surveyed respondents in the UAE travelling?
The research also revealed that 34% of survey respondents travel at least twice a year, with higher-income households more likely to take five trips or more annually. The most popular trip length is 9-15 days, with 45% preferring to travel with family.
What inspires travel decisions?
Most of the respondents in UAE would take up to 3 months to plan and book with 56% choosing to travel to rest and relax, and 46% seeking a cultural experience. The research also identified two significant forces influencing travel decisions: family and friends, who serve as key influencers for recommendations at 58%, and social media platforms, at 55%, with YouTube being the most trusted source at 74%, followed by Facebook (72%) and Instagram (69%).
Big budgets, big concerns
When it comes to budgeting for their next trip, 34% of surveyed respondents in the UAE plan to spend more than USD 3000 (approx. AED 11000), while only 3% will budget under USD 500 (approx. AED 1800). However, this is measured by household income, with high-income earners more likely to take multiple trips per year and allocate larger budgets per holiday. In contrast, lower-income households are more likely to plan one trip per year with tighter budgets, while prioritizing nearby destinations and shorter stays.
Despite strong travel intent, personal safety (44%) and extreme weather events (41%) too the list of concerns for travelers, followed by financial worries, flight disruptions, and scams. Specifically, 32% of young travelers worry about losing travel documents, while higher-income households are more concerned about geopolitical tensions.
Travel insurance habits are on the rise
Encouragingly, 76% of travelers plan to purchase travel insurance when heading overseas, with peace of mind being the most popular reason for seeking cover. The likelihood of buying travel insurance through online travel booking websites has also increased as budgets rise.
Vinay Surana, Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Allianz Partners, commented on the findings: “The Middle East, Europe and Asia continue to top the wish lists for UAE travelers in 2025.”
“It’s fantastic to see travelers not only prioritizing meaningful travel experiences but also actively seeking protection through travel insurance, giving them added confidence while exploring the world.
“We’re particularly mindful of the safety concerns highlighted in this year’s research – and are committed to offering comprehensive, flexible solutions that meet the evolving needs of travelers in our region.”
ENDS
About The Travel Index:
Launching in the UAE for the first time in 2025, The Allianz Partners Travel Index now contributes to a suite of consumer data from over 500 consumers in the United Arab Emirates. By combining the insights of the Allianz Partners Travel Index with our global counterparts we gain a unique worldwide perspective on the traveler landscape, enabling us to identify emerging global trends, and effectively respond to shifts in consumer preferences.
Allianz Partners commissioned Kantar Consumer Link to conduct an online survey of 500 respondents from the UAE between 11th Feb and 19th Feb 2025. Sampling is nationally representative, and is post-weighted by age, gender and region to ensure it matches the underlying population as published by UAE Stat.
About Allianz Partners
Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health, travel insurance, mobility and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Our products are embedded seamlessly into our partners’ businesses, sold through intermediary channels or directly to customers through the Allianz brand. Present in over 75 countries, our 21,900 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 72.5 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer assistance to our customers around the world.
Media contacts
Ronak Thakkar, Director at FleishmanHillard
M: +971 54 586 9828
E: ronak.thakkar@fleishman.com
