Majority of UAE residents plan to save over Dh11,000 for next holiday: Allianz survey

Dubai: Travel is back on the agenda for UAE residents this summer and through the rest of the year, with a sizable number among them willing to save well over Dh11,000 (or $3,000) per person for such holidays.

According to the new Allianz Partners Travel Index, 34% of UAE respondents said they were looking at saving Dh11,000 ($3,000) and more for those trips. Another 17% said they are looking at putting together between Dh9,200-Dh11,000 to make those travel plans happen.

What is also amply clear is that UAE residents are putting travel and holidays abroad high on their to-do lists for the year. This is despite the fact that global travel had a shaky phase during the recent Israel-Iran conflict, which led to across-the-board service cancellations on regional routes by airlines.

The Allianz survey also found that the Middle East remains among the top destinations for inward travel.  

“Recent tensions in parts of the Middle East may lead some travellers to adjust or delay certain plans,” said a spokesperson for Allianz, one of the biggest names in travel insurance.

“But outbound travel from the UAE is still expected to be driven by strong demand for leisure, family visits, and business travel. We continue to closely monitor global developments to support travellers with timely information, flexible protection options, and peace of mind wherever their journeys take them.”

More than ever before, fliers and holiday goers are taking out travel insurance – even when their end destination visas do not require them to do so. Travel insurance helps when fliers face flight delays, sudden health issues, etc. (They don’t come into play when airlines announce cancellations because of unforeseen issues such a conflict breaking out.)

“While spending is a personal choice based on various factors including household income, the Allianz Partners Travel Index recorded a Dh11,000 spend for 34% of UAE-based respondents,” said the spokesperson.

“This figure is dependent on several factors including peak travel seasons, which may see the cost of flights, accommodation and activities rise in conjunction with certain periods throughout the year.

“It does highlight that despite cost-of-living pressures travel remains a priority for UAE residents, with strong intent to explore international destinations despite economic headwinds.”