Best Travel Tips for 2026 from UAE

When to Travel? Cheaper Flights for UAE Travelers in 2026

The demand for travel in the United Arab Emirates could reach new heights by 2026. However, due to rising living costs, more people are looking for ways to save on airfare. According to a recent survey, 96 percent of UAE residents plan to travel abroad this year, though most have not finalized exact dates—and this flexibility could be the key to cheaper flights.

Saturday is the Cheapest Day to Fly

Many believe that flying mid-week, such as on Tuesday or Wednesday, is cheaper. However, according to data from the global travel search engine Skyscanner, Saturday currently offers the lowest average prices for flights departing from the UAE. This may be surprising at first, as weekend travel is often thought to be more expensive. The reality is that prices change dynamically depending on the destination and the month, so searching the entire month rather than relying on general rules may be the most effective way to find cheaper flights.

The survey also revealed that 64 percent of respondents have not yet decided on their exact travel dates. This flexibility can be a significant advantage, as airfare prices can differ greatly on a daily basis, especially during popular periods and on busy routes.

Which Cities are the Cheapest?

By 2026, the cheapest destinations list is led by Indian cities. Chennai is the most affordable destination for travelers departing from the UAE, with round-trip tickets averaging around 795 dirhams. It is followed by Kozhikode (937 dirhams) and Mumbai (975 dirhams).

Other cities on the list include Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Mangalore, each with average prices between 1,000 and 1,100 dirhams. Outside of the South Asian region, there are also attractive options: Istanbul, for instance, is among the more affordable destinations, with an average price of about 1,100 dirhams.

Other attractive value-for-money destinations include Cairo and Dhaka (around 1,300 dirhams), as well as Manila, which with an average price of 1,691 dirhams made it into the top ten cheapest cities.

It is important to note that these prices apply to economy class round-trip tickets booked between January 1, 2025, and October 31, 2025, and are valid for travel from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

New Tool Assists Planning

In response to increasing price sensitivity, Skyscanner has introduced a new tool, the "Cheapest Destination Planner," to help users find the cheapest cities monthly, display average ticket prices, recommended travel times, and reasons to visit those destinations.

The research also pointed out that while many have already booked their flights (69 percent), only 43 percent have accommodation reservations, and merely 19 percent have arranged car rentals, indicating that many are still in the planning phase, offering more opportunities to compare prices and find better deals.

More Travel, Greater Flexibility

Skyscanner's data is consistent with observations by other market players. According to another report, the Marriott Bonvoy 2026 "Ticket to Travel" research, over 80 percent of residents in the UAE and Saudi Arabia plan to make as many trips in 2026 as in the previous year, and more than half even plan more.

The study outlines that a typical traveler is planning multiple trips this year: short domestic getaways, trips of up to four hours to nearby locations, and farther, longer stays. Bookings are typically made about two months before departure, reinforcing the increasingly important role of price monitoring and flexible planning tools.

Visiting Multiple Countries in One Trip

An interesting trend is that travelers are more often visiting multiple countries on a single trip. Three-quarters of the respondents indicated that they are likely to visit multiple countries during a given trip. The most popular destinations remain in Europe: Italy, Switzerland, France, and Turkey are especially favored destinations. Travelers continue to focus heavily on value-for-money, diversity, and a wide range of experiences.

Summary

Travel plays a crucial role in the lives of UAE residents and may gain even more momentum in 2026. Despite global economic uncertainties and rising prices, conscious and flexible planning—such as selecting the right time, searching for the whole month, and using new planning tools—can help save significant amounts.

The fact that Saturday is the cheapest day to fly and that Chennai or Istanbul is among the best value-for-money destinations can offer new perspectives for those just starting to plan their next trip. The new trends suggest that 2026 could be the year of travel—at least for those who are open to new opportunities and act promptly.

(Source: Based on Skyscanner research.)