UAE Secures a Second Place as a Winter Sun Destination for UK Tourists

British travellers are lining up winter sun plans and the UAE is right near the top. New aviation data highlights the UAE as the second most popular winter sun destination for UK tourists in the peak festive travel window.

This matters for brands because airport moments sit right at the start of the holiday mindset. People have landed, they have plans and they are open to offers that help them enjoy the trip.

The Numbers Behind the Winter Surge

Global aviation data provider OAG counts more than 1,000 flights from the UK to the UAE between 20 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. The UAE total is 1,006 flights, placing it second in the ranking for that period.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is a major driver. DXB is set to receive 776 flights from the UK in that same festive window.

A few details worth noting:

• Travel dates in focus are 20 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 
• Total UK to UAE flights in that period are 1,006
• DXB alone receives 776 UK flights

Why the UAE Wins Winter Sun Attention

Winter travel demand is about comfort and convenience. The UAE ticks clear boxes for UK tourists who want warmth, easy flight options and high quality hospitality. Dubai’s weather is typically pleasant during Christmas and New Year, which makes it a natural choice for a winter break.

Airlines also respond to demand. The same report notes higher frequencies during festival and holiday periods, plus new route announcements that build year round momentum.

One standout route update is Sharjah based Air Arabia announcing direct flights to London Gatwick, launching 29 March 2026 with double daily services.

DXB and AUH are Built for High Volume Audiences

If you want to reach UK tourists at scale, the airport gate matters as much as the destination.

Dubai International Airport welcomed 92.3 million guests in 2024, setting its highest annual traffic record. Abu Dhabi International Airport facilitated 29.4 million passengers across its airports in 2024.

For advertisers, this volume changes the maths. You can build reach fast, then add frequency through multiple placements across the passenger journey.

The Traveller Mindset You Can Tap Into

Most airport ads fail when they feel generic. UK winter sun travellers are usually in one of these modes

• Planning mode on arrival, looking for transport, SIMs, hotels, attractions
• Reward mode, ready for shopping, upgrades, premium experiences
• Group mode, travelling with partners, friends or family and making shared choices
• Return mode at departure, picking up last minute gifts and duty free

You can align creative to that mindset with a simple promise and one clear next step.

Where Airport Ads Hit Hardest for UK Arrivals

For UK tourists landing in the UAE, the highest impact zones are the ones that sit between landing and the first paid decision.

Consider formats placed in

• Arrivals corridors and immigration approaches for first brand impression
• Baggage reclaim for dwell time and repeated viewing
• Duty free walkways for premium purchase intent
• Ride hail and taxi approaches for local service choices
• Lounges for affluent travellers and business class audiences

What Brands Should Do Next with this Trend

The UAE winter spike is predictable in timing, so you can plan properly. The goal is to cover the decision window, not to blanket the whole terminal.

A practical plan for running campaigns

• Lock placements early for late December and January month
• Use two creative versions, one for arrival and one for departure
• Keep copy short and legible from a distance
• Add a clear locator such as terminal, store level or district name
• Track performance with QR codes and unique offer pages

If you sell travel, retail, telecoms, financial services, luxury or attractions, these steps tend to lift response because they match what tourists need in the moment.

Ready to Reach Tourists in UAE Airports

Gulf Airport Advertising helps brands plan, book and deliver campaigns across the UAE airports, including Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Sharjah International Airport. We help you pick the right formats, secure availability and align creative with airport rules and passenger flow.

If you want to reach UK winter sun travellers as they arrive in the UAE, contact us. Tell us your target audience, budget range and preferred airport. We will come back with a clear media plan and options across the wider Gulf network.

FAQs

Why is the UAE a top winter sun destination for UK tourists?

Pleasant weather around Christmas and New Year, plus the UK holiday break, drives strong demand for trips to the UAE. That seasonal demand supports its position as the second most popular winter sun destination for UK tourists.

How many UK flights are expected to land at DXB in the festive period?

DXB is set to receive 776 flights from the UK between 20 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. 

Why does this matter for airport advertising?

Peak winter travel brings high footfall and strong purchase intent. Airports give brands long dwell time, repeated exposure and high quality audiences at the start of a trip.

Which airport zones work best for reaching UK tourists?

Arrivals corridors, baggage reclaim, duty free walkways and lounge media tend to perform well because they sit next to waiting time and immediate decisions.