UAE tourism sector shows growth during summer 2026 season

The United Arab Emirates is seeing sustained momentum in its tourism sector during the summer 2026 season. To mitigate the impact of intense heat, the country has pivoted toward indoor attractions, shopping, and cultural heritage experiences.

In Abu Dhabi, heritage-focused events are central to the season, including the 22nd Liwa Date Festival and the inaugural Al Ain Date Festival. Cultural institutions such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum are hosting various educational and artistic programs. In Dubai, the 'Dubai Summer Surprises' program offers shopping and entertainment through August 30, while Sharjah is promoting its museums and the House of Wisdom.

While summer travel remains busy, regional security developments continue to influence certain flight paths, with some disruptions noted on routes to Bahrain and Kuwait. Travelers are advised to check flight statuses through airlines like Emirates and Etihad. Seasonally, the peak summer heat is expected to begin easing around August 24, following the traditional appearance of the star Suhail.