As UAE temperatures climb, so does the travel fever, and Emirates Airline is gearing up for the summer exodus. With international bookings reaching record highs, the Dubai-based carrier has revealed where travellers are heading this July and August. From vibrant cultural capitals to hidden coastal gems, the data points to a clear trend: UAE residents are looking for meaningful escapes, cool climates, and off-the-beaten-track adventures.

According to the airline’s latest global booking and search data, summer 2025 is all about discovering culture-rich cities, exploring lesser-known islands, and escaping to breezy coastlines. While Europe still pulls its weight with traditional favourites like France and Ireland, there’s a growing interest in destinations across the Far East and the Indian Ocean.

The summer standout: Vietnam

Topping the charts is Vietnam, a destination that’s seen a massive 61% surge in interest. With Emirates flying to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and the recently added Da Nang (via Bangkok), the country is more accessible than ever for UAE residents looking to mix beach escapes with cultural discovery.

Da Nang in particular is proving popular, offering easy access to a trio of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, not to mention pristine stretches of coastline that rival any Indian Ocean island. Throw in the street food—think sizzling bánh mì and fragrant phở—and it’s easy to see why Vietnam is the ‘it’ destination of the summer.

Mauritius, Sri Lanka: Island vibes with cultural spice

Mauritius follows closely with a 41 per cent rise in searches. Its two daily Emirates A380 flights make it an ideal long weekend getaway for couples or families seeking powder-soft beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush rainforests. For those chasing something a little more budget-friendly, Sri Lanka is surging in popularity again, up 32 per cent in searches, thanks to its winning combination of ancient temples, wild safaris, hill country retreats and tea plantations.

Japan and France remain timeless favourites

Still irresistible is Japan, where searches have grown 28 per cent. Emirates offers 21 weekly flights to Tokyo and Osaka, making the Land of the Rising Sun a top choice for UAE residents wanting to blend tradition with high-tech urban energy.

France, forever a favourite, saw a 25 per cent jump in searches, especially Paris, Nice, and Lyon. Whether it’s the allure of the Eiffel Tower, a Mediterranean Riviera holiday, or Lyon’s gourmet cuisine, the French summer continues to captivate.

Where else are UAE residents headed

Closer to home, Emirates reports a 13 per cent spike in outbound summer travel searches from the UAE, particularly for destinations like Sri Lanka, Jordan, France, India, Lebanon and Morocco. And it’s not just families packing their bags, solo travellers now make up nearly half of all bookings from the UAE, the US, and Australia.

Many are combining business with leisure, especially those flying in from India and the US, staying on average for over a week. Meanwhile, couples from Germany and Australia are opting for extended Dubai getaways, staying two weeks to a month.

Why Dubai remains the ultimate destination

While residents flee the summer heat, Dubai itself continues to shine on the global tourism map. Emirates forecasts strong inbound travel into the city, driven by families from the UK, couples from Europe, and solo adventurers from around the world.

For Indian families, shorter, action-packed escapes are trending, while American families enjoy 1–2 week vacations. Brits, as ever, lean into the Dubai lifestyle, often staying more than two weeks to enjoy shopping, theme parks, and beach clubs.

With options ranging from serene islands and cultural hubs to culinary capitals and coastal towns, this summer offers UAE travellers more choice than ever.

So, where will you go next?