Summer 2026 Travel
Why Dubai is Heading to Italy & Spain
From the Dunes to the Duomos: Why Italy and Spain are the Ultimate Summer 2026 Escapes
Before you head abroad, make sure you've ticked Dubai's must-sees. Dubai Frame — the world's largest picture frame at 150m in Zabeel Park — is the perfect half-day visit before a summer flight. Dubai Frame tickets start from AED 49 online and can be booked the same day.
As the mercury rises in the Emirates, the discerning Dubai traveler looks toward the Mediterranean. For the summer of 2026, the compass points directly to Italy and Spain. While these classics are perennial favorites, 2026 marks a transformative year for both nations—blending the completion of modern wonders with the timeless opulence of the Renaissance.
Spain — Barcelona
Barcelona has officially been named the UNESCO World Capital of Architecture for 2026. The focal point is the Sagrada Família — after 144 years of anticipation, 2026 marks the historic completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ. Standing at 172.5 meters, the Basilica has finally claimed its place as the tallest religious structure in the world.
Italy — Venice & Rome
Venice is extraordinary, especially for those from Dubai who understand the art of building the impossible. Travel by private water taxi from Marco Polo airport.
- Venice Must-sees: St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
- Rome Must-sees: the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Pantheon, and Palazzo Barberini — home to Raphael's La Fornarina and Caravaggio masterworks in a stunning Baroque palace.
Italy — Florence
Florence is the cradle of the Renaissance and one of the most artistically rich cities on earth. For Dubai visitors accustomed to architectural ambition, Florence delivers on a different scale — intimate, ancient, and overwhelmingly beautiful. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio, visit the Uffizi Gallery to see Botticelli's Birth of Venus, and climb to the top of Brunelleschi's Duomo for panoramic views across the terracotta rooftops.
At the heart of the city stands Palazzo Vecchio — Florence's medieval town hall and one of Italy's most iconic civic buildings. Its 94-metre Torre d'Arnolfo offers sweeping views over the city and is a must-climb for any visitor. The palazzo's grand halls are decorated with Vasari frescoes and house original sculptures, making it as much a museum as a seat of power.
- Florence Must-sees: Palazzo Vecchio, the Uffizi Gallery, Brunelleschi's Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo.