Allianz survey identifies UAE outbound travel plans

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UAE travel plans in year ahead

More than a third of travellers from the UAE are planning to travel at least twice for holidays in 2025 and beyond.

That’s according to the Allianz Partners Travel Index 2025, which surveyed 500 people in the UAE for the first time this year regarding their travel plans for the year ahead, with higher income earners intending to travel five times or more.

More than a third of travellers surveyed said they plan to spend up to AED11,000 (US$3,000) on their next holiday and more than half are looking to invest between AED9,200 and AED11,000.

Countries within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are proving the most popular outbound destinations for UAE residents (30%), despite ongoing regional tensions, followed by the UK and Europe (26%).

However, younger travellers under 30 are increasingly drawn to Central America and the Caribbean as they seek out new. destinations.

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Almost half (45%) of those surveyed prefer to travel with family, 56% travel to rest and relax and 46% want a cultural experience.

This is in line with Wego’s latest data, which suggests growing demand from GCC travellers for "authentic, experience-led holidays that offer deeper engagement with local traditions and communities".

When it comes to decision making, most respondents say they rely on recommendations from family and friends (58%), plus social media (55%), for their inspiration. On social media, YouTube is the most trusted source (74%), followed by Facebook (72%) and Instagram (69%).

The planning and booking process usually takes up to three months as discerning travellers conduct their own research.

Personal safety is the top concern (44%) for UAE travellers, as well as extreme weather, flight disruptions and financial pressures. Geopolitical tensions, a major factor in the Middle East of late, are of highest importance to high-income travellers.

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Younger travellers are most concerned about securing their travel documents and 45% of all ages surveyed would use an app that offered this ability.

These conditions have seen a rise in purchases of travel insurance, with 26% of those surveyed saying they will buy policies via travel websites, with half of those doing so for their own peace of mind.

“The Allianz Partners Travel Index 2025 offers actionable insights for our partners at a time when travellers’ priorities are rapidly evolving,” said Vinay Surana, Regional Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa at Allianz Partners.

“By understanding the needs and concerns of respondents in the UAE, we can deliver more relevant, secure, and innovative travel solutions that empower our customers to explore with confidence.”

For more information, visit www.allianz.com

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