New Cheapest Destination Planner also launched, assisting travellers to discover the most affordable destinations and the best value days to fly each month of the year.
96%* of people in the UAE plan to travel abroad in 2026, according to statistics released by Skyscanner, a leading global travel app, in association with OnePoll*. While 69% have already booked their flights to their chosen destination, 64% of travellers are yet to finalise their vacation dates before making any arrangements.
With half of respondents (50%) worried about the costs of their international holiday, Skyscanner has released its Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for UAE Travellers in 2026, spotlighting a range of vibrant, sun-soaked, culture-rich cities all at surprisingly low return fares.
Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for UAE Travellers in 2026:
Ranking | Destination | Average Flight Price | Reason |
1 | Chennai | 795 AED (avg return) | Coastal culture, creative energy, art, and music; perfect for a refreshing escape. |
2 | Kozhikode | 937 AED | Golden beaches, spice-rich cuisine, and lively markets; a soulful Kerala favourite. |
3 | Mumbai | 975 AED | Lights, colour, cinema, street food, nightlife; the ultimate city buzz. |
4 | Thiruvananthapuram | 1030 AED | Calm, green, and culturally rooted; ideal for wellness-led getaways. |
5 | Kochi | 1042 AED | Backwaters, colonial charm, cafés, and slow-living appeal. |
6 | Mangalore | 1096 AED | Palm-lined beaches and authentic South Indian flavour at standout value. |
7 | Istanbul | 1100 AED | A short-haul cultural icon, where East meets West in every street and skyline. |
8 | Cairo | 1303 AED | History, museums, Nile views, and endless cultural stories to explore. |
9 | Dhaka | 1341 AED | Vibrant, energetic, culturally rich, with strong connectivity from the UAE. |
10 | Manila | 1691 AED | Colourful neighbourhoods, island access, and rising popularity thanks to expanding routes. |
Skyscanner’s New Cheapest Destination Planner
With 56% of UAE travellers saying they would make their travel arrangements in January if they know the cheapest destination to visit in advance, Skyscanner has launched its new Cheapest Destination Planner that will identify the cheapest cities to visit every month and help you save on your travels.
How does the Cheapest Destination Planner function?
Start by choosing the month you wish to travel.
The tool will display the 10 most affordable destinations for that month, including key reasons to visit, the average price for a round-trip flight, and the cheapest travel days.
Have you made your selection? You can then click to explore flight and hotel options for your chosen destination.
Cheapest Day to Travel
Saturday offers the lowest average fares for UAE travellers, according to Skyscanner. With more people seeking long weekends and spontaneous getaways, Saturday flights are proving not only convenient but surprisingly cost-efficient.
In the poll, 28% of respondents thought Tuesday was the cheapest day to fly, followed by Wednesday (25%). However, prices vary by route and month. Tools like the Whole Month Search make it easier than ever to spot cheaper days instantly.
Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said:
“UAE travellers are always keen on discovering destinations that offer great value without sacrificing unforgettable experiences. In 2026, with average fares starting under 800–1,700 AED, plus our new Cheapest Destination Planner, travellers can confidently explore more places while staying on budget. With Saturday being the cheapest day to fly, it’s the perfect year for spontaneous adventures.”
Car Hire and Hotels
When it comes to accommodation, 43% have booked their hotels for their overseas trips while only 19% have booked car hire for their vacation. People can visit Skyscanner to find live and the most value-for-money options for accommodation and car hire.
Travel smarter in 2026 with Skyscanner
Designed to help UAE travellers stretch their budget further, these tools make finding a great deal easier than ever:
Price Drops: Skyscanner monitors flight prices and alerts travellers when unusual price drops of 20% or more appears, helping travellers book rare bargains before they disappear.
“Everywhere” Search: Simply type “Everywhere” into Skyscanner’s destination box to instantly see the cheapest places you can fly to from the UAE, ranked from lowest fare upwards.
Price Alerts: Still deciding? Save your preferred route, and Skyscanner will notify you whenever the fare rises or falls, giving you complete visibility into price fluctuations.
Saved Trips: Collect and compare multiple destinations while planning. Perfect for travellers who are still exploring options and want to keep all route ideas in one place.
* Based on a OnePoll survey conducted by Skyscanner between 9th to 12th December 2025 with 1000 respondents in the UAE.
About Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a leading global travel app that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers – in 52 countries and 37 languages – to more than 1,200 trusted travel partners so they can find the best flight, hotel or car hire options.
Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America, where traveller-first innovations are developed, powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching more than 80 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place.
