Dubai And UAE Residents Embrace International Travel In 2025

Published on July 6, 2025

The winds of wanderlust are sweeping through the United Arab Emirates in 2025. As travel restrictions ease and global connectivity soars, a striking trend is emerging: one in three residents is set to embark on at least two international trips this year. This surge in outbound travel is a direct reflection of a booming tourism sector, facilitated by smoother visa access, growing personal confidence, and robust government support for both domestic and international tourism.

Dubai, one of the UAE’s most vibrant cities, welcomed a record 8.68 million overnight visitors between January and May 2025, marking a 7% year-over-year increase compared to the same period in 2024. The figures underscore Dubai’s magnetic appeal to global travelers but also highlight a rising trend among UAE residents who are eager to travel beyond their borders. As more UAE nationals seek overseas experiences, the government’s investment in tourism infrastructure and streamlined travel policies are playing a key role in fueling this surge.

Outbound Travel Trends Reflect Growing Global Mobility
According to surveys from independent research firms, including Allianz Partners and Kantar, a significant portion of UAE residents are eager to explore international destinations. Approximately one-third of UAE residents are planning multiple trips abroad this year. High-income individuals are especially enthusiastic, with many budgeting over USD 3,000 per holiday, reflecting their growing desire to travel to far-reaching destinations.

This wave of outbound travel is deeply intertwined with the growth in inbound tourism. With the UAE’s tourism sector projected to generate AED 228.5 billion in international visitor spend by 2025—an increase of 37% compared to pre-pandemic levels—residents are increasingly inspired to reciprocate by exploring international destinations themselves. Economic investments in hospitality, infrastructure, and international connectivity are creating a thriving ecosystem that nurtures both inbound and outbound tourism.

Visa Facilitation Fuels UAE Residents’ Global Mobility
The UAE’s visa policies have become a major driver in encouraging international exploration. The government’s residency-based visa agreements have been pivotal in expanding travel opportunities for UAE nationals. For example, UAE residents holding permits valid for six months or more now enjoy visa-on-arrival access in countries like Georgia, allowing them to stay for up to 90 days. This easing of entry requirements is reflective of the UAE’s diplomatic efforts to boost international mobility and is creating a new avenue for travel that was previously more restrictive.

Additionally, the introduction of a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa for non-residents has further cemented the UAE’s position as a global mobility hub. The initiative, which allows stays of up to 90 days per visit, enhances the country’s international standing while indirectly supporting the growing outbound travel trend among its residents. This government-backed initiative provides a more seamless travel experience for both tourists and locals, strengthening international ties and facilitating easier exploration of global destinations.

Economic Investment Propels the UAE’s Travel Growth
Government investment in the travel and tourism sector has played a critical role in driving both inbound and outbound travel. In addition to the tourism visa reforms, the UAE has also channeled significant funds into enhancing tourism infrastructure. These investments are projected to result in the tourism sector contributing AED 267.5 billion to the UAE’s GDP in 2025, representing nearly 13% of the total economy.

This economic commitment is also reflected in job creation, with over 925,000 positions in the tourism sector, further solidifying the industry’s importance to the nation’s economic future. The growth of the travel infrastructure not only attracts international tourists but also fosters a culture of global exploration among UAE residents. With new airports, streamlined visa processes, and increased international connectivity, the UAE is shaping itself into a global travel hub, both for tourists and residents alike.

The Rise of Sustainable and Safe Travel Practices
As the UAE promotes international tourism, the government emphasizes responsible and sustainable travel practices. This focus on eco-friendly tourism aligns with the country’s broader vision for a sustainable future, which also extends to its residents’ outbound travel habits. As part of this shift, more than three-quarters of UAE residents planning international trips have reported that they intend to purchase travel insurance. This growing awareness of health and safety concerns, including flight disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties, underscores a prudent approach to travel that is becoming increasingly common.

For travelers like Aisha, a Dubai-based marketing professional, the prospect of multiple overseas trips this year is a reflection of her expanding horizons. “I love the freedom of packing up and seeing something new,” she says, preparing for two upcoming trips—one to Southeast Asia and another to Europe. Her awareness of travel insurance also speaks to the broader trend of personal responsibility that many UAE residents now bring to their travels.

Similarly, Mohammed, an engineer in Abu Dhabi, is excited about taking his family on vacations to Japan and Thailand. “The package deals are affordable, the entry requirements are simple, and the experiences are unforgettable,” he notes, emphasizing the ease with which families in the UAE can now embark on international adventures. For Mohammed and many others like him, travel is no longer just a luxury—it’s a central part of modern UAE life.

Looking Ahead: A Culture of Exploration and Connection
As we move through 2025, the UAE is witnessing a cultural transformation in how its residents approach travel. With one-third of the population planning multiple international trips and many individuals budgeting substantial amounts for these holidays, the appetite for overseas exploration has never been higher. Government entities continue to facilitate this growth by streamlining visa services, improving infrastructure, and promoting sustainability in travel.

This surge in outbound travel is not just about vacations; it reflects a broader shift towards a globally engaged, mobility-oriented society. For UAE residents, traveling abroad has become a way to connect with the world, experience new cultures, and return home with a broader perspective. As the UAE continues to support this trend through strategic policies and investments, the future of international travel looks bright.

For residents like Aisha and Mohammed, every trip abroad is not just a holiday—it’s an opportunity to be part of a larger, global story. And as they board their flights and explore new destinations, they are also participating in the UAE’s transformation into a nation of global wanderers. The world is not just a place to visit; it is an extension of home.

In 2025, two trips abroad may only be the beginning for UAE residents, as their journeys reflect a nation that is not only embracing travel but soaring to new heights of global exploration.

(Source: UAE Government Portal, Dubai Statistics Center, Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, World Travel & Tourism Council, Allianz Partners, Kantar)