Why Indians Choose Dubai Over Europe for Holidays

More and more Indian travellers are choosing Dubai as their favourite holiday destination in recent years. While Europe still remains a dream place to travel to for many, Dubai is fast emerging as a preferred destination. Many factors are behind this change in preference.

Why Indians are Preferring Dubai Over Europe for Holidays

There are reasons that have driven this shift in preference with more and more Indian travellers choosing Dubai holiday packages over Europe for their holidays. This blog explores what the reasons are behind this change in preference. 

Shorter Travel Time

One of the biggest reasons why Indians are choosing Dubai is the shorter travel time. It takes no more than 3 to 4 hours to reach Dubai from India by air. On the other hand, it takes as long as 8 to 12 hours to reach any European destination by air from India. Especially for elderly travellers and families, the shorter flight time is very convenient. Long flights with stopovers are not only tiring, but cumbersome as well. Dubai being much closer is today a preferred destination for a quick getaway. 

Easier Visa Process

It's much easier and quicker to secure a visa for Dubai than it is for Europe. With the visa process being simpler, applicants get the approvals within a few days. It takes much longer to secure a Schengen visa for Europe. Moreover, one needs to submit more documents and one is also required to appear in an interview. Due to its easier visa approval process, Dubai has become a more attractive holiday destination than Europe, especially if the plans are made at the last minute. 

Better Value for Money

While Europe is indeed beautiful, it can be very expensive. Accommodation, shopping, transport and food cost you a lot of money. On the other hand, Dubai, while being luxurious, offers many more options for travellers with different budgets. While one can stay in deluxe 5 star star hotels, visitors also have the option of choosing budget accommodations. The public transport system in Dubai is also clean and efficient. For dining, there are not only posh restaurants in Dubai, but street side joints as well. On the whole, visitors to Dubai get more value for their money than they do when they travel to Europe. 

Similar Food Options

Food is always an important part of the experience when Indians are out on a holiday. Since Dubai has a large Indian diaspora, there are many restaurants all over the city serving Indian food. Indians can enjoy their favourite dishes, be it North Indian or South Indian cuisine without having to search too many places. On the other hand, finding a place serving Indian food in Europe can be quite a task. Moreover, even if you find such a place, enjoying a meal there will be an expensive affair. Easy availability of Indian food in Dubai gives Indian travellers a feeling of being in a home away from home.  

Cultural Comfort

There are many cultural similarities between Dubai and India. Dubai has a culture of respectfulness and it's also slightly conservative, making Indians feel at home. The people in Dubai are friendly and helpful and the environment in Dubai gives Indian visitors a feeling of safety. Since English is spoken widely, there's no language barrier either. Indians travelling to Dubai feel welcome and they also feel comfortable in an environment that’s quite similar to what they experience back home. 

Shopping Paradise

The shopping options in Dubai make it an absolute paradise for shoppers. You can find everything from luxury brands to local goods at the glamorous malls like the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates. Thousands of visitors land in Dubai every year during the Dubai Shopping Festival. Tax-free shopping lures many shopaholics to Dubai during the festival. Moreover, the prices in general in Dubai are much lower than they are in Europe, making it a fascinating shopping destination among Indian shoppers. Many Indian tourists in fact plan their visit coinciding with the Dubai Shopping Festival. Dubai’s malls are also among the top places to visit in Dubai. 

Family-Friendly Attractions

There are many attractions in Dubai perfect for families. Both children and adults love visiting places like Global Village, Dubai Aquarium and The Atlantis Water Park. There are thrilling rides and activities at the IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts. Dubai is therefore an ideal holiday destination for families. There are great places in Europe as well. However, since they are spread far apart from each other, travelling between them is tiring. Besides, they are expensive as well. 

Weather Considerations

Europe can be very cold and in the winters, it's biting cold there. Most Indian travellers find this very uncomfortable. Such harsh weather has an adverse impact on outdoor activities and travel plans. While it's very hot in Dubai, most of the places are air-conditioned. Moreover, the weather is much more predictable. Again, India itself is a hot country and so, travellers from India might find the excessive heat in Dubai uncomfortable, but not unbearable. The winters in Dubai are very pleasant and that makes the city an ideal destination for a holiday for Indians during the winter break. 

Frequent Travel Deals and Packages

Many travel companies offer attractive holiday packages to Dubai from India. These packages come with accommodation, flights, meals and sightseeing. Not only are these packages easy to book, they are affordable as well. Finding good deals for Dubai is easier than finding them for cities in Europe. As such, planning a holiday to Dubai is not only simple but also very cost effective. 

Conclusion

Dubai’s close distance to India, the budget-friendly options, simple visa process and cultural familiarity are therefore the main reasons that make Dubai a preferred destination among Indians over Europe. Added to that is Dubai's safety and luxury which has caused this shift in preference in favour of Dubai over Europe among Indians. Reach out to a reliable travel agency in Dubai and book yourself a Dubai holiday package for an exciting experience. We’re sure you won't regret that you chose Dubai over Europe for your holidays.