UAE is top destination for regional travellers, according to YouGovSiraj research

This is a key finding from a survey of almost 4,000 travellers from across the MENA region. Almost a quarter of business travellers and 14% Leisure travellers plan to travel to the UAE in their next 2 trips.

For business travellers. Saudi, Egypt and Bahrain will also remain popular destinations, but to a lesser extent than previously. Egypt remains popular amongst tourists.

Previously India was the top visited destination for leisure but this looks to fall significantly.

'There is a big Indian population in the region and I think more and more people want to explore and try out new places, rather than travel back home to visit friends and relations. They plan to do something different. There will however still be a need for them to travel back home to India to visit friends and family' Says Jane Wilson, Director Travel & Tourism Research at YouGovSiraj.

Despite concerns about travelling to the US due to complicated and lengthy procedures, fear of racism and expense, visitors from the region are set to triple to North America this year.

For business travelers, trips to China are likely to double and the UK is also expected to see an increase.

Whilst for leisure travellers, Malaysia is expected to become a top destination.

There will also be a big boost of travellers to Italy and Australia, where visitor numbers will increase four fold in the coming year.

There has traditionally been a small amount of visitors from this region to these countries.

Emerging destinations over the next 12 months appear to be those put on the map more recently by Emirates and Etihad such as Brazil and Canada.

'As the airlines introduce new routes and expand existing ones, it makes these places accessible to travellers and brings them top of mind. For business travellers it opens new doors for opportunities and for leisure new places to explore. I think as well, if a traveller knows that their usual airline is travelling there it gives it an endorsement' continues Jane Wilson.