The UAE online travel market size reached USD 2,734.62 Million in 2024. The market is projected to reach USD 6,369.38 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 9.85% during 2025-2033. The industry continues to expand at a healthy rate, driven by growing internet penetration, mobile app usage, and technology-savvy individuals. Trends are centered around the growing need for personalized travel experience, convenient booking websites, and increased social media influence. The services such as flight, hotels, and holiday packages cover most of the market size, with mobile sites witnessing maximum growth. Demand is strongest among the young and the urban population. All these combines to account for the increasing UAE online travel market share.
Report Attribute
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Key Statistics
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Base Year
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2024
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Forecast Years
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2025-2033
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Historical Years
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2019-2024
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Market Size in 2024 | USD 2,734.62 Million |
Market Forecast in 2033 | USD 6,369.38 Million |
Market Growth Rate 2025-2033 | 9.85% |
Rising Digital Air Booking Share
In 2024 and early 2025, additional tourists in the UAE began booking flights through online travel agencies (OTAs) and digital platforms. Individuals currently prefer to look for, compare, and make reservations for tickets through mobile applications and websites instead of going to offices or making calls to agents. These websites are convenient and provide options such as price alerts, rapid payment, and real-time status. Airlines and OTAs are making their websites and apps better equipped with features such as live chat assistance, AI-powered suggestions, and personalized itineraries. Users are now able to do almost all their travel planning on a single platform, right from deciding on a destination to booking a return flight. The more consumers become familiar with digital technology, the more companies are trying to enhance user experience and provide more personalized choices. These enhancements assist travelers in saving time and being more comfortable when they book. The expansion of digital booking tools usage signifies the expanding UAE online travel market growth, which ranks it as one of the top digital travel markets within the region.
Shift to Online Hotel Reservations
The UAE is witnessing a significant shift toward online hotel reservations, reshaping the dynamics of its travel industry. In 2024, the majority of hotel bookings were made through digital platforms rather than traditional channels like front-desk bookings or phone calls. This transformation is driven by increased internet penetration, mobile accessibility, and a tech-savvy population—especially among younger travelers who prefer using websites and apps to explore hotel images, read reviews, and compare prices. In response, hotels are investing in their digital presence by enhancing website interfaces, offering seamless booking experiences, and integrating features such as virtual tours, instant check-ins, and exclusive online deals. Online travel agencies (OTAs) are also stepping up innovation to stay competitive, providing bundled packages and real-time availability. As digital routines become more entrenched, this trend is expected to accelerate, establishing online hotel booking as the dominant mode in the UAE online travel market trends.
Focus on Sustainability, Experiential Travel, and Immersive Tech
As global and regional travelers become more eco-conscious, demand is growing for low-carbon options, eco‐resorts, and heritage-rich experiences such as desert safaris and cultural village visits. This shift is matched by technological innovation: virtual town tours, AR-enhanced attraction guides, and personalised wellness and adventure travel planning tools are now integrated within OTA platforms. These experiential technologies support travelers seeking authentic, memorable journeys that go beyond conventional tourism. As a result, platforms are embedding filtering options for sustainable stays and local cultural packages, offering richer content and enhanced decision-making. This trend reflects a deeper transformation in the UAE online travel market, where next-generation travelers expect seamless, meaningful experiences, powered by both environmental responsibility and immersive digital engagement. The strategic fusion of sustainability with interactive technology represents a powerful driver for future market expansion.
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on service type, platform, mode of booking, and age group.
Service Type Insights:
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the service type. This includes transportation, travel accommodation, and vacation packages.
Platform Insights:
A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the platform have also been provided in the report. This includes mobile and desktop.
Mode of Booking Insights:
The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the mode of booking. This includes online travel agencies (OTAs) and direct travel suppliers.
Age Group Insights:
A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the age group have also been provided in the report. This includes 22-31 years, 32-43 years, 44-56 years, and above 56 years.
Regional Insights:
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and others.
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.
Report Features | Details |
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Base Year of the Analysis | 2024 |
Historical Period | 2019-2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2033 |
Units | Million USD |
Scope of the Report |
Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Future Market Assessment:
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Service Types Covered | Transportation, Travel Accommodation, Vacation Packages |
Platforms Covered | Mobile, Desktop |
Mode of Bookings Covered | Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), Direct Travel Suppliers |
Age Groups Covered | 22-31 Years, 32-43 Years, 44-56 Years, Above 56 Years |
Regions Covered | Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Others |
Customization Scope | 10% Free Customization |
Post-Sale Analyst Support | 10-12 Weeks |
Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request) |
Key Questions Answered in This Report:
Key Benefits for Stakeholders: