Davao City has emerged as one of the most affordable international destinations for UAE residents in 2026, according to a new study by global travel platform Skyscanner.
The report revealed that flight prices to Davao have dropped by 21 percent, making it one of the top three “best value-for-money” destinations for UAE travellers, alongside Salalah in Oman (20 percent lower) and Phuket in Thailand (19 percent lower).
Skyscanner noted that affordability is now a major factor influencing travel decisions. About 67 percent of UAE residents choose their next holiday based on airfare costs, while 60 percent consider accommodation prices. Another 36 percent look at the strength of foreign currencies before booking trips.
“Airfare drops are making it easier than ever to reach these places from the UAE,” Skyscanner said.
Bryan Batista, CEO of Skyscanner, added that travellers today are “planning with greater purpose, shaping trips that reflect who they are and what matters most, at a price that feels right for them.”
The Skyscanner Travel Trends Report 2026 also listed other cities seeing airfare declines, including Manila, Zanzibar, Manama, Kuala Lumpur, Kochi, Dammam, and Tbilisi, with ticket prices falling between 3 and 17 percent.
