Skyscanner launches on desktop in Arabic as demand returns to the Middle East

Metasearch site has seen an uptick in searches from the UAE and Saudi Arabia

Metasearch site Skyscanner has launched an Arabic language offering on its desktop and mobile web channels.

The Trip.com Group brand said the move will offer travellers a more localised and user-friendly experience.

Arabic language services are now available across all domains, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Travellers visiting Skyscanner on desktop, mobile web or via the app will now be able to select Arabic as a language.

This will provide access to more localised content, including local currency and a better user experience when linking to partner sites to make travel bookings.

Gavin Harris, director of strategic partnerships at Skyscanner, said: “We’re pleased to be able to offer travellers in the Middle East a far more relevant experience on desktop, allowing them to plan and book travel in their local language and currency.

“Arabic is one of the fifth most spoken languages in the world and outbound travel from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia accounts for a significant proportion of the total travel market.

“We previously launched the Skyscanner app in Arabic to great success, so it was a logical next step to bring the localised experience to desktop users too. We’re excited about the opportunity this will afford our partners in the region as well.”

Skyscanner reported that travel is returning in the Middle East following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interest in both domestic and international flights has increased from UAE travellers with search volumes up 23%.

From Saudi travellers, where there was an increase of 110% in searches from February to March of this year.

According to a recent YouGov survey, commissioned by Reed Exhibitions, ahead Arabian Travel Market 2021, the money that Middle East travellers spend on international leisure travel will begin to exceed 2019 levels in three years.

• Skyscanner’s Gavin Harris will be speaking in the opening Travel Forward session in collaboration with Travolution on May 16.