Skyscanner launches Arabic language services

Metasearch site Skyscanner has launched Arabic language services on its desktop and mobile web channels

With Arabic language services now available across all domains, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Skyscanner, which is part of the Trip.com Group, said the move will offer travellers a more localised and user-friendly experience. This includes being able to select local currency and having a better user experience when linking to partner sites to make travel bookings.

Skyscanner director of strategic partnerships Gavin Harris said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer travellers in the Middle East a far more relevant experience on desktop, allowing them to plan and book travel in their local language and currency.

“Arabic is one of the fifth most spoken languages in the world and outbound travel from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia accounts for a significant proportion of the total travel market.

“We previously launched the Skyscanner app in Arabic to great success, so it was a logical next step to bring the localised experience to desktop users too. We’re excited about the opportunity this will afford our partners in the region as well.”

Skyscanner previously reported that travel is returning in the Middle East following the COVID-19 pandemic. Interest in both domestic and international flights has increased from UAE travellers with search volumes up 23%.

From Saudi travellers, where there was an increase of 110% in searches from February to March of 2021.

According to a recent YouGov survey, commissioned by Reed Exhibitions, ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2021, the money that Middle East travellers spend on international leisure travel will begin to exceed 2019 levels in three years.

Skyscanner’s Gavin Harris will be speaking in the opening Travel Forward session in collaboration with Jacobs Media Group’s Travolution on 16 May. Click here to register for ATM and attend.