Dubai ranked top travel destination for UAE residents

Dubai has been ranked number one in a list of top destinations for travellers from the UAE, according to a new list revealed by travel site Agoda.

The emirate beat travel hotspots Bangkok (fourth place), Singapore (seventh place), and London (10th place) as the most visited destination for UAE travellers.

Attractive deals offered by luxury hotels was cited as a key reason for the popularity of staycations in Dubai. Dozens of hotels currently offer discounted rates or special staycation deals for residents if an Emirates ID is shown.

Dubai also boasts thousands of accommodation choices, shopping centres, theme parks and other attractions, making it a popular spot for staycations, the report stated.

The trend of staycations has risen in recent years in the UAE, especially for long weekends that fall during public holidays in the country.

The UAE has also invested heavily in its inbound travel and tourism industry through various developments.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, the direct contribution of travel and tourism to the UAE’s GDP is expected to grow by 5.1 per cent per annum to reach Dhs116.1bn (5.4 per cent of GDP) by 2027.

Top travel destinations for UAE travellers in 2018
As listed by Agoda

Top destination countries

1. United Arab Emirates
2. Saudi Arabia
3. India

Top destination cities

1. Dubai
2. Abu Dhabi
3. Sharjah
4. Bangkok
5. Mecca
6. Ras Al Khaimah
7. Singapore
8. Manama
9. Ajman
10. London