Dh15,000 for a solo trip: More UAE residents are travelling alone; here's why

Many UAE residents are increasingly opting to fly solo to popular destinations, saying they wanted to go on a 'self-discovery' trip and enjoy the freedom of exploring places at their own pace.

Whether seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, these travellers are drawn to vibrant locales that offer unforgettable experiences away from home.

Adnan, an IT executive based in Dubai, chooses to travel alone for the freedom it provides. He told Khaleej Times: "I love creating my itinerary without having to adjust for anyone else. This flexibility allows me to explore at my own pace and make spontaneous decisions along the way.”

With a travel history that includes seven countries — Romania, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Vietnam, and Thailand — Adnan has visited some destinations multiple times, particularly Georgia and Kazakhstan, which he finds breathtaking.

He said he loved these two travel spots due to their proximity to Dubai and shorter flight times. Looking ahead, he planned to explore more European countries.

Typically, Adnan would take about 10 days off for travel, spending a week in most locations. He would usually take advantage of annual or public holidays to travel abroad.

Trips, however, can be extended if he finds accessible options for his favourite food. He enjoys tasting different halal Asian and European cuisines, as well as capturing beautiful moments through photography and videography.

Regarding costs, he said solo travel expenses can vary depending on planning and duration. The main expenses are food, transport, and shopping. Adnan appreciated the availability of low-budget airlines in the UAE, making trips more affordable.

For his travels, he finds Georgia and Azerbaijan to be the cheapest options at around Dh3,000, while Vietnam and Thailand can be more expensive, costing between Dh6,000 and Dh8,000 for a week-long trip. Trips to some European countries cost up to Dh15,000, he added.

Discovering hidden gems

Thabo, a 25-year-old South African expat in Dubai, said: “As a solo traveller, I appreciate the freedom to explore at my own pace. I love immersing myself in different cultures and discovering hidden gems. With trips to places like Thailand, Morocco, and Portugal, I enjoy the thrill of spontaneous adventures.”

For budgeting, Thabo agreed that solo travel costs vary. His cheapest trip was to Morocco for about Dh3,500, while his week in Thailand was about Dh8,000. "I often plan my trips around public holidays, allowing me to maximise my travel time without taking too many days off work."

For James Ward, a 30-year-old IT professional from the UK who has been living in Dubai for almost two years, it is the freedom that comes with his British passport that encourages him to travel more often.

"Having visited 15 countries, from Japan to Brazil, I cherish the adventures I’ve had on my own. But I feel like my solo travel will stop at 15 — soon, I’ll be getting married, and I look forward to exploring the world with my partner and creating new memories together.”

Opportunities for self-discovery

Sinil Raj, a marketing executive in Dubai, shared his passion for solo travel, highlighting the freedom and self-discovery opportunities that come with it.

"Travelling alone lets me set my own pace and focus on what I enjoy most — whether that's spending extra time at a museum or exploring local spots," he said.

For Raj, solo travel not only provides joy but also fosters personal growth, pushing him to become more independent and adaptable.

Having travelled solo to several countries including China, Georgia and Oman — his favourite destinations are Georgia and China. He is currently preparing for an upcoming adventure to Spain.

To make his travels possible, Raj takes about 14 vacation days each year, typically spending a week abroad on each trip. He emphasized the importance of planning in advance, ensuring his work responsibilities are managed before he leaves.

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