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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Amelia Neath

Family holidays to Dubai are 25 per cent cheaper than last year, according to research

The destination’s tourist numbers were impacted by the conflict in the Middle East - (Getty Images)

Holidays to Dubai are a quarter cheaper this year than in 2025 as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, research has found.

Family holidays have fallen in price globally this summer, with the United Arab Emirates around 25 per cent less expensive than last year, research from comparison platform TravelSupermarket has revealed.

The conflict in the Middle East this year has led to caution among holidaymakers, with many opting to stay within the UK or book last minute.

Despite the US launching a new wave of strikes on Iran, the UK Foreign Office has not amended its travel advice, meaning holidays to popular destinations such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain possible.

The average nightly costs are down 25 per cent from £226 per person in 2025 to £169 in 2026, based on all-inclusive, seven-night family breaks departing in August.

The UAE is not the only destination cheaper to visit this summer, with Egypt’s family holiday prices around eight per cent less expensive than last year at £162 per person, per night on average.

Family holidays in Morocco are also down seven per cent, while the bill for Tunisia trips has dropped three per cent.

TravelSupermarket have also found some more far-flung destinations that are cheaper to visit than in 2025.

The Dominican Republic ranks second behind the UAE for savings, with average nightly costs down 11 per cent from £257 per person to £228, while Mauritius holiday prices have also dropped 11 per cent, falling from £307 per person to £273.

In contrast, long-held favourites among British travellers have only continued to rise in price.

Spain, the most searched destination, is four per cent more expensive at an average price of £155 per night.

A family of four could pay up to £168 more for a seven-night stay in Spain this August compared to 2025, taking the total cost to around £4,340.

Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket, explains: "Events in the Middle East have clearly made some families think twice about where they travel this summer and tour operators have responded by cutting prices to bring people back.

“The result is that destinations like the UAE and Egypt are offering some of the best value we've seen in years, while European packages continue to creep up in price.

“For families who are comfortable travelling further afield, there are genuine savings to be had – and comparing prices across providers is the best way to see exactly where your budget stretches furthest."

Read more: Is it safe to travel to Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

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