Why Dubai appeals to South Africans

International travel continues to be a top priority for South Africans looking for accessible destinations that offer unique and memorable experiences. 

Among these, Dubai has steadily established itself as a favourite. Emirates’ latest data highlights key travel trends among South African passengers, showcasing how Dubai remains a top choice for those flying with Emirates.

In 2024 alone, approximately 120,000 South Africans travelled to Dubai via Emirates. 

Travel peaks 

January and February are the most travelled months of the year, accounting for 30% of the total traffic to Dubai, likely due to the long summer break when South Africans take advantage of their accumulated work leave days and school holidays. 

Dubai holds year-round appeal with family-friendly attractions such as theme parks, resorts, and cultural experiences – ranking as the #1 destination for South African family travellers, ahead of London, Bali, and Istanbul. 

For corporate travellers, it serves as a global business hub with convenient flight connections and modern infrastructure, while religious tourists often use Dubai as a gateway for journeys to nearby Saudi Arabian destinations like Medina and Jeddah.

Why Dubai 

Unlike London (which focuses on cultural tourism), Bangkok (known for street life and affordability), or Istanbul (celebrated for historical attractions), Dubai offers a comprehensive experience that combines elements from all these destinations. 

Accessibility and affordability

One of the main reasons why Dubai continues to captivate South African travellers is its accessibility. With direct flights available from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, Dubai is just a short flight away. 

A closer look at the geographical breakdown of travel to Dubai shows that Johannesburg dominates as the primary gateway, contributing 65% of South African travellers, followed by Cape Town with 20% and Durban with 15%.

Emirates 

Emirates provides excellent connectivity, offering an array of travel options to accommodate a wide variety of travellers. 78% of South Africans flying to Dubai opt for Economy Class, primarily travelling for leisure. 

As the WTM (World Travel Market) Cape Town approaches, there are predictions that Dubai’s growing influence will spark quite a few discussions.

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