Why Kenyans Usually Opt to Go to Dubai for Holiday Introduction

Introduction

Dubai has emerged as a favorite holiday destination for Kenyans, attracting a significant number
of tourists each year. From iconic skyscrapers such as the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame, to one of the biggest malls in the world, The Dubai Mall, to fun filled theme parks like Global Village, and sand filled adventures, Dubai offers a diverse range of attractions that appeal to a wide audience.

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Dubai being a top destination choice among
Kenyans.

UAE Tourism Numbers

Dubai saw a surge of 9% of incoming tourists between January and November of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023 with numbers jumping from 15.37 million to 16.79 million passengers.

It is unclear how many Kenyans make up the numbers, what we do know is that Africans made
up about 5 to 6% of the total visitors.

Popular Destinations that Kenyans Go to

While Dubai is the main attraction, Kenyans, over the years, have started exploring other Emirates within the UAE. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are the two other emirates that are popularly visited.

Sharjah, a conservative Emirate, is known for its art and heritage, and cheaper accommodation
compared to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Abu Dhabi is the other Emirate. It is the capital of UAE and has over the last 18 months worked
to increase the number of tourists through improving its airport, building more hotels, and hosting major events and tournaments.

It is also known for having attraction sites such as the Ferrari world, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, among other sites.

Reasons why Dubai is a Top Tourist Destination for Kenyans

Let us now look at some of the reasons Dubai is a top destination for many Kenyans :

● Weather: Kenya has relatively great weather. However, Dubai’s warm, sunny climate, especially during the Kenyan “winter” months, is a major draw. Many Kenyans appreciate the opportunity to escape the cooler weather at home and enjoy some sunshine.

Affordability (Especially during off-peak seasons): Kenya has a lot of budgettravelers who take advantage of Dubai’s off-peak season. Dubai is known for its luxury offerings, however, it does provide budget conscious travelers a great opportunity to
experience the adventure of the Emirate.

The off-peak season is usually in the summer
months of May, June, and July as well as April and October. During this time, the flight and hotel prices significantly drop. You can get a round trip flight from as little as Ksh 45,000 and 3 star hotels from Ksh 8,000 per night double occupancy.

Proximity: It takes less time to travel to Dubai than going to Capetwon or Johannesburg. A flight from Nairobi to Dubai takes about 5 hours. This, coupled with availability of affordable seasons makes Dubai a great destination spot.

Ease of Visa Access: Getting a UAE visa as a Kenyan is quite straightforward. To get one, you can either get it through a UAE based airline, such as Emirates, or Etihad or through a local agent. The cost is usually about Ksh 15,000

Shopping: Again, there is something for everyone. Looking for a Ksh 200,000 designer bag? You will get it. How about a Ksh 2,000 bag? You will get that too. Areas such as Deira offer shoppers affordable goods, from clothes, to perfume, and even electronics.
Malls such as The Dubai Mall, and Mall of the Emirates are two of the most popular shopping malls, offering both high end and affordable items.

Great Marketing: Dubai’s tourism board has invested heavily in marketing campaigns
that have included Kenyan celebrities such as Sarah Hassan, Bahati, Azziad, among others, showcasing what the Emirate has to offer.

A lot of Referrals from Friends and Family who have visited before: Word-of-mouth marketing has over the years played a very significant role in increasing the number of Kenyans who tour Dubai. When one family member visits the UAE, more often than not, they come back home and encourage the rest of the family or their friends that it is a great destination to travel to.

Diverse Attractions: Dubai offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions, from the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall to the historical Al Fahidi district and the desert safaris.This variety caters to different interests and age groups.

Family-Friendly Activities: Dubai has numerous family-friendly attractions, including theme parks such as Global Village, water parks, and entertainment centers, making it an ideal destination for family trips.

Cultural Experiences: Beyond the grandiose that Dubai portrays, the Emirate has a diverse offering when it comes to experiences and adventures. From shopping at some of the most Luxurious places, like fashion avenue, to the historic sides of Deira, and Old
Dubai, to desert safaris and so much more.

Excellent Infrastructure: When traveling, you want convenience. Dubai’s modern infrastructure is a tourist attraction in itself. Whether it’s the award-winning airport, or the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa, or the largest ferris wheel in the world, Dubai has it all.

Safety and Security: Dubai is among the safest cities in the world. This is actually one of the biggest reasons why not only Kenyans but tourists across the globe are
comfortable traveling to this Emirate. Knowing that you are safe, and that you can walk at night without any issues gives some assurance to tourists. Many Kenyan women have chosen Dubai as their go to solo female destination for this fact.

Conclusion

The UAE or in particular, Dubai, is a great destination for both budget and luxury Kenyan travelers. The Emirate has done a fantastic job accommodating different demographics with a variety of offerings and adventures.

If you are wondering where to go for your next trip, think no further than Dubai.

The author, Dubai Nomad, is a travel blog and your go-to resource for travel tips and stories, with a
focus on Dubai and the digital nomad experience in the UAE.