UAE Emerges as Top Alternative to European Destinations
A recent study reveals that the United Arab Emirates tops the list as the best alternative for tourists seeking escapes from Europe.
UAE Emerges as Top Alternative to European Destinations
The recent findings indicate that the United Arab Emirates not only ranks as the best alternative to European travel but also offers a remarkable safety infrastructure and numerous accommodation options, totaling 19,700 hotels. Furthermore, Taiwan has topped the charts as the most Instagrammable non-European destination, boasting 38.4 million posts.
A new analysis by Heepsy has investigated various locations outside of Europe to identify the best alternatives for travelers looking to avoid overcrowded tourist sites. Major European cities like Barcelona, Venice, and Amsterdam are facing severe overtourism issues, with some even implementing visitor limits.
The founder of Heepsy, Tabi Vicuña, stated, “The data clearly shows travelers have excellent alternatives to Europe’s overtourism crisis. Many travelers don’t realize how well-prepared these destinations are for tourism, from high safety levels and extensive hotel networks to thousands of activities.”
New Visa Rules
The UAE has announced new visa policies aimed at further boosting tourism, including a multiple-entry 5-year tourist visa that allows tourists to stay for up to 180 days. Other initiatives like the GCC Unified Visa also enhances travel convenience across Gulf nations.
Dubai’s Popularity
In the first five months of 2025, Dubai welcomed 8.68 million international tourists, indicating a 7% increase from the previous year.
Key Findings: Top 10 Alternatives to Europe
Here are the top ten destinations evaluated based on safety ratings, available hotels, and Instagram popularity:
| Country | Safety | Temp | Hotels | Activities | IG Hashtags | Travel Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | 85 | 33°C | 19.7K | 8,851 | 18.2M | 100 |
| Qatar | 85 | 37°C | 230 | 688 | 35.9M | 98 |
| Taiwan | 83 | 29°C | 9.9K | 565 | 38.4M | 95 |
| Macao | 82 | 27°C | 88 | 67 | 1.4M | 90 |
| Oman | 81 | 30°C | 1.4K | 1,314 | 19.8M | 86 |
| Hong Kong | 79 | 29°C | 628 | 489 | 785K | 83 |
| Japan | 77 | 26°C | 50.5K | 8,657 | 3.8M | 80 |
| China | 77 | 25°C | 17.5K | 10K | 1.7M | 78 |
| Singapore | 77 | 26°C | 544 | 875 | 2.3M | 68 |
| Bahrain | 76 | 33°C | 297 | 103 | 32.1M | 65 |
The analysis reiterates that these countries present safe, affordable, and exciting alternatives for travelers, emphasizing the UAE as a top contender.
