dnata Travel reports surge in ski holidays and Arctic adventures among UAE travellers

Europe's premier ski resorts, Japan's famed powder snow and Finnish Lapland among fastest-growing winter holiday choices for UAE residents

Dubai, UAE, 14 September 2026: All-inclusive ski holidays and Arctic adventures are among the fastest-growing travel trends for UAE residents this winter, according to the latest booking data from dnata Travel.

The company is seeing growing demand for snow-based holidays and cooler-climate escapes across Europe and Asia. Japan has entered dnata Travel's top five most-booked international destinations for winter 2026/27 to date, while Finland, France, Switzerland, and Georgia are recording some of the strongest year-on-year increases in bookings and climbing the company's top 20 winter destinations ranking.

The trend reflects a growing appetite for experience-led travel, with UAE travellers increasingly seeking outdoor adventures and memorable seasonal experiences, from world-class skiing and snowboarding to Arctic activities and nature-focused escapes. All-inclusive ski holidays are proving particularly popular, offering convenience and value through packages that combine accommodation, meals, lift passes and lessons.

A range of destinations is benefiting from this shift in traveller preferences. In Finnish Lapland, demand is being driven by opportunities to witness the Northern Lights, enjoy husky and reindeer safaris, and experience life above the Arctic Circle. Japan continues to attract travellers with its internationally renowned powder snow and extensive ski terrain combined with its popular culinary scene and traditional hot springs (onsen), while France and Switzerland remain favourites for premium alpine escapes in resorts such as Courchevel, Megève and Gstaad. Georgia is also gaining momentum as a value-driven ski destination, offering quality winter sports experiences within easy reach of the UAE.

Improved air connectivity is further supporting demand, including Emirates' new Dubai-Helsinki service launching next month, providing greater access to Northern Europe and Finland's Arctic regions.

The findings have been revealed at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026, where dnata Travel is showcasing its latest winter holiday collection.

Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, said: "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.

She added: "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."

dnata Travel's featured winter 2026/27 holiday offers

Skiing in Gudauri, Georgia

Stay six nights combining stays at the four-star Gudauri Inn and five-star Lopota Lake Resort & Spa with dnata Travel, including breakfast, three days ski pass, a two-hour ski lesson, transfers and return flights, from AED 6,015 per person. This multi-location trip includes a stay on the Caucasus Mountains with easy shuttle access to Gudauri's high-altitude ski slopes, followed by the unique opportunity to stay and ice skate on a frozen lake.

Skiing in Hokkaido, Japan

Stay four nights at the five-star Hilton Niseko Village in a Family Room with dnata Travel, including breakfast, return private airport transfers, and return domestic and international flights, from AED 13,455 per person. Located directly at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri, this stay offers effortless ski-in and ski-out access to Japan's world-famous powder slopes alongside an authentic thermal onsen.

Skiing in Megève, France

Stay three nights at the five-star Four Seasons Hotel Megève in a Superior Room with dnata Travel, including breakfast, and return flights, from AED 23,750 per person. This intimate luxury resort, just 75 minutes from Geneva Airport, offers world-class wellness facilities and a dedicated ski concierge.

All-inclusive ski retreat in Valmorel, France

Stay four nights at the Club Med Valmorel in a Superior Room with dnata Travel on all-inclusive, with ski passes, ski or snowboard group lessons, return shared airport transfers and return flights included, from AED 9,655 per person. A stay on the French Alps with ski in / out access is included on the mountain surrounding the charming alpine town of Valmorel. Enjoy family fun activities like sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing, the indoor pool, and gourmet Savoyard dishes.

Six-day itinerary: Finnish Lapland, A True Winter Wonderland

Experience five nights in Lapland with dnata Travel, including stays at Santa's Hotel and Santa's Igloos in Rovaniemi, private Northern Lights hunting by car, a private tour to Arctic Snow Hotel with dinner included, private ice floating under the Northern Lights, snowmobile adventures and other Arctic experiences, return private airport transfers, and return flights from Dubai to Helsinki on Emirates, from AED 21,405 per person