Dubai has been named the seventh most popular destination for British travelers in 2025, according to a recent survey by British Airways. The emirate has outperformed several globally renowned tourist spots, including Mauritius, Phuket, Miami, Bangkok, Rome, Australia, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and cities in the Caribbean.
The survey analyzed data from holiday package searches on the British Airways website, comparing searches made between January 1 and July 24, 2024, for 2025 travel dates, with those made from January 1 to July 28, 2023, for 2024 travel dates.
The most sought-after destinations for British holidaymakers include New York, Orlando, Las Vegas, Maldives, Barbados, and Cancun, with Dubai closely following in seventh place. Dubai has solidified its reputation as a year-round destination, attracting tourists not only in the winter but also during the summer months for its shopping and indoor entertainment options.
Dubai’s strong appeal to British travelers is further bolstered by its robust connectivity with London. Dubai and London rank among the busiest routes between the two cities. In addition to direct flights operated by Emirates and British Airways, several other airlines provide direct connections, enhancing travel convenience.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains a significant hub for passenger traffic from the UK. Recent figures from Dubai Airports highlight the UK as the third-largest source of passenger traffic to DXB, following India and Saudi Arabia. London emerged as the top city destination, with 1.8 million passengers traveling from the UK to Dubai in the first half of 2024.
Moreover, DXB has been ranked the sixth most connected airport globally, while London Heathrow is ranked 12th, according to aviation consultancy firm Cirium. Western European tourists also favor Dubai, with 1.89 million visiting the emirate during the first half of 2024.
British Airways offers competitive fares for travelers, with return flights from London Heathrow to Dubai starting from £439 (Dh2,110). Flights to Abu Dhabi, a new addition to British Airways’ network this year, start at £390 (Dh1,880). Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also operates direct flights to London, providing additional options for travelers.
With its strategic location, year-round appeal, and extensive flight connectivity, Dubai continues to be a top choice for British travelers seeking a blend of luxury, adventure, and cultural experiences.
