The 2026 Destination Hot List: Where Dubai Travellers Are Going This Year

If there’s one thing Dubai residents love, it’s a getaway. With our long weekends, incredible flight connections and constant sunshine, travel is practically a lifestyle. And 2026 has an entirely new energy — new hotspots, revived classics, and cities that feel tailor-made for a mood reset.

Here is the definitive 2026 Destination Hot List, curated with Dubai travellers in mind.

🇸🇦 1. AlUla, Saudi Arabia — Region’s Most Magical Escape

AlUla continues to dominate travel wish lists with its sandstone formations, luxury eco-resorts and world-class cultural calendar. Think breathtaking stargazing, immersive art installations and desert calm. Perfect for: quick escapes, couples, culture lovers.

🇵🇹 2. Lisbon, Portugal — The European Darling of 2026

Lisbon is having a moment (again). Sunlit streets, pastel tiles, friendly locals, and a buzzing food scene make it an all-round favourite. New direct flights from the region are making it even easier. Perfect for: solo travellers, café culture, creative inspiration.

🇬🇷 3. Milos, Greece — The Chic Island Alternative

Move over Santorini - Milos is the boutique, quieter, effortlessly cool island that Dubai travellers are choosing this year. Unreal beaches, crystal water, stylish small hotels. Perfect for: slow travel, romantic breaks, group escapes.

🇯🇵 4. Japan — The Most Booked Long-Haul for 2026

Japan’s blend of tradition and futuristic energy keeps pulling UAE travellers back. Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto itineraries are trending again, alongside lesser-known gems like Kanazawa and Fukuoka. Perfect for: culture, food lovers, multi-city adventures.

🇮🇶 5. Baghdad & Erbil, Iraq — The New Unexpected Trend

A surprising rise: cultural travellers are rediscovering Iraq. Baghdad’s creative scene is buzzing, while Erbil offers safety, history, and some brilliant boutique hotels. Perfect for: history buffs, culture explorers, curated travel groups.

🇿🇦 6. Cape Town, South Africa — The All-Round Superstar

Cape Town is forever a Dubai favourite: nature, food, wine, beaches, adventure — and those views. In 2026, luxury lodges and vineyard stays are becoming even more popular. Perfect for: families, couples, adventure seekers.

🇮🇹 7. Puglia, Italy — The New "It" Summer Destination

Expect whitewashed towns, olive groves, trulli houses and unreal beaches. Dubai residents are swapping Amalfi crowds for Puglia charm. Perfect for: summer holidays, food lovers, stylish stays.

🇲🇻 8. Maldives — The Classic That Never Fades

No Dubai hot list is complete without Maldives. But in 2026, travellers are choosing smaller, eco-conscious resorts and wellness-focused stays. Perfect for: relaxation, honeymoons, quick luxury.

🇺🇿 9. Uzbekistan — Silk Road Cool

Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara are rising fast thanks to stunning architecture, friendly locals and a feeling of true discovery. Perfect for: culture lovers, photography travellers, off-the-beaten-path explorers.

🇰🇷 10. Seoul, South Korea — Pop Culture Meets Serious Style

K-Beauty, K-Fashion, K-Food — Seoul is an icon. New hotel openings, design districts, and shopping make it a top long-haul pick for UAE residents in 2026. Perfect for: trend seekers, shoppers, solo travellers.

🇴🇲 11. Salalah, Oman — The Short-Haul Nature Reset

Lush landscapes, cooler weather, waterfalls, calm beaches — Salalah remains the quickest and easiest escape from Dubai chaos. Perfect for: families, nature lovers, stress-free weekends.

🇮🇳 12. Goa, India — A Comeback Story

Wellness retreats, chic boutique stays and quieter beaches are redefining Goa for 2026. It’s less party, more peace. Perfect for: wellness travellers, beach lovers, boho escapes.

🇹🇷 13. Bodrum, Turkey — Still a Summer Favourite

With new beach clubs, luxury hotels and yacht experiences, Bodrum is Dubai’s answer to the Mediterranean — without the long flight. Perfect for: sun-seekers, groups, summer glamour.

🇫🇷 14. Corsica, France — Europe’s Best-Kept Secret

Think Sardinia energy, but French. Mountain meets sea, with unspoilt beaches and charming villages. Perfect for: adventure couples, hikers, summer explorers.

🇮🇩 15. Bali, Indonesia — Always in the Top 5

Bali connects deeply with Dubai travellers: wellness, good food, creativity, spirituality. New retreats, riverside eco-hotels and Canggu’s evolving scene keep it relevant every year. Perfect for: wellness girls’ trips, solo travel, work-from-anywhere escapes.

Think: curiosity, culture, softness, slower travel, healing holidays, boutique stays, and destinations that feel both grounded and inspiring.

Whether you’re planning a last-minute long weekend or a big summer adventure, 2026’s hot list has one thing in common: every destination offers a reset - the kind you can feel in your whole body.