Marhabaan! Looks Like the Emiratis’ Favorite Getaway in 2020 was the Maldives

Monday 25th of January 2021

The National at Abu Dhabi reveals that the Maldives was the most popular destination for Emiratis to travel to in 2020. Since the Maldives opened its border on July 15th 2020, Emirates has been one of the top source markets to the islands, with more than 6,000 visitors recorded by the Maldives Immigration until the end of December. What makes this tropical country a go-to destination for the UAE citizens?

“With a convenient four-hour flight time from Dubai, and no requirement for a PCR test ahead of returning home for UAE nationals [flying into Dubai] it’s no surprise that Maldives' travel packages proved the top choice for travellers," said Rehab Mansoor, general manager at Rehlaty, part of the dnata Travel Group. According to The National, it seems that multi-island leisure destinations is the trend.

Rehlaty by dnata Travel reveals that the top-booked resorts in the Maldives in 2020 were LUX* Resorts & Hotels, Sun Siyam Resorts, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. If there’s one thing common in all these resorts, it’s the luxury and exclusive experiences that these islands offer. Mansoor also states that the trend will continue this year.

Qatar Airways was the first airline to land in the Maldives after borders reopened. As of October 2020, Emirates Airline carried the highest number of passengers to Maldives since border reopening with over 13,300 arrivals, while Qatar Airways came second with 192 flight movements and 13,250 passengers.

Cover: Khalid Al Ameri