Snow holidays are gaining ground among UAE residents, with all-inclusive ski packages and Arctic itineraries emerging as standout trends for winter 2026/27, according to booking data released by dnata Travel at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
Japan has entered dnata Travel’s top five most-booked international winter destinations, while Finland, France, Switzerland and Georgia are recording some of the strongest year-on-year booking increases and climbing the company’s overall top 20 ranking.
“We’re seeing a clear shift towards experience-led winter travel. More UAE travellers are choosing holidays that offer memorable outdoor experiences, whether that’s skiing some of the world’s best slopes, exploring the Arctic wilderness, or witnessing the Northern Lights in Lapland. These trips offer a complete contrast to the region’s warmer climate, which is a major part of their appeal,” Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel said in a statement.
“At the same time, we’re seeing growing demand for all-inclusive ski holidays among families, couples, and groups. Travellers value the simplicity and certainty of having key elements of their trip included in one package, allowing them to focus on the experience and make the most of their time away,” she added.
The demand picture varies by destination. Finnish Lapland is drawing interest from travellers seeking the Northern Lights alongside husky and reindeer safaris.
Japan’s appeal rests on its powder snow, extensive ski terrain, and the combination of onsen culture and food. France and Switzerland continue to attract premium bookings, with resorts such as Courchevel, Megève and Gstaad among the most searched. Georgia is picking up as a value option, offering accessible winter sports within a relatively short flight from the UAE.
All-inclusive ski packages are a particular growth area. Ketait noted that families, couples and groups are drawn to the certainty these packages offer, with accommodation, meals, lift passes and lessons bundled into a single price. “Travellers value the simplicity and certainty of having key elements of their trip included in one package, allowing them to focus on the experience,” she said.
Improved air links are also a factor. Emirates launches a new Dubai-Helsinki service next month, which dnata Travel says is already supporting bookings to Finland and Arctic Lapland.
Among the packages dnata Travel is currently featuring: a six-night Georgia trip combining Gudauri skiing and a Lopota Lake Resort stay from AED 6,015 per person; four nights at the Hilton Niseko Village in Hokkaido from AED 13,455 per person; three nights at the Four Seasons Megève from AED 23,750 per person; four nights all-inclusive at Club Med Valmorel from AED 9,655 per person; and a five-night Finnish Lapland itinerary including Northern Lights experiences and igloo accommodation from AED 21,405 per person.
