The top 13 travel destinations for UAE residents in 2026

With new flight routes, major cultural events and a wave of hotels opening across the region and beyond, plus global trends shaping demand, 2026 is set to be a year of discovery for UAE travellers.

Europe remains popular, but tourists are exploring other corners of the continent. Asia continues to rise with its mix of affordability and culture. Closer to home, Qatar and Saudi Arabia are reinforcing the Gulf’s position as a travel hub with major cultural and hospitality investments, particularly with the Schengen-style Unified GCC Tourism Visa due to be launched soon.

Here are 13 key destinations set to attract UAE travellers in the year ahead.

1. Varna, Bulgaria

Varna has a Mediterranean feel without the hefty price tag. Photo: Ivaylo Angelov / Unsplash

Bulgaria emerges as a surprise star among Gulf travellers as Skyscanner’s UAE report identifies Varna as a top emerging destination, driven by its Mediterranean feel without a hefty price tag. This Balkan nation offers a combination of affordability and authenticity that appeals to value-conscious explorers.

The city sits on the Black Sea, framed by long beaches, calm waters and a lively summer scene that blends cafe culture with history. Visitors can wander through Varna’s Sea Garden, explore Roman thermal baths or hop to nearby coastal towns such as Balchik.

Prices for hotels, food and transport remain relatively low compared to Western Europe, and the mild summer climate appeals to travellers looking for somewhere warm but not scorching.

2. Bilbao, Spain

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao forms the centrepiece to the industrial Spanish city. Photo: Jorge Fernandez Salas / Unsplash

Bilbao has always had a magnetic pull for design lovers thanks t