Journalist-traveler Marcin Margielewski told Polish Press Agency (PAP) that arrivals from the UAE surged about 40 % year-on-year in 2024, with Emiratis now accounting for nearly 61 % of all Gulf tourists visiting Poland.
“Many want to feel snow for the first time or simply breathe cooler air during what they call the ‘barbecue season’ back home,” he said, referring to the searing heat from late May to September.
More seats, more seasons
Low-cost carrier Air Arabia will raise its Sharjah–Poland operation to three flights a day for the peak summer, up from one, reflecting demand that now spans all seasons.
Kraków and the Tatra resort of Zakopane have seen an uptick in winter packages, while Warsaw draws repeat visitors year-round, Margielewski noted.
Polish tour boards say UAE middle-class travelers are also drawn to local folklore, forests and lakes—experiences “simply unavailable” in the desert climate of the Gulf.
The Polish government has not released absolute arrival numbers, but tourism officials predict further double-digit growth as carriers add capacity and promote Poland as a four-season destination in the Emirates.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio 24