The vessel was 10 nautical miles from Zirku Island
uae22 hours ago
Seven out of 10 UAE residents — or 71 per cent — will be travelling next year, according to the latest report of global travel search engine Skyscanner.
While travel this year seems more of a push towards cultural exploration, Skyscanner said “2025 will lean more towards collective experiences, creating memories, and making friends".
Residents, as well as experts and agents, agree that taking overseas holidays is an experience worth spending on.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
“UAE residents are willing to invest in vacations despite rising geopolitical tensions due to a strong desire for relaxation and escape from daily stress," said Amanpreet Singh, global chief commercial and strategy officer at Travelwings.
"Many have accumulated savings post-pandemic, which enhances their financial readiness for travel, while the tourism industry has adapted to provide reassurance through safety measures," he said.
Focusing on unique experiences and connections with family and friends drives individuals to prioritise meaningful travel, often overshadowing concerns about global instability, Singh said.
“UAE residents are increasingly investing in diverse holiday experiences, showcasing trends such as nostalgia travel, and revisiting childhood dream destinations. Sleep tourism, wellness and relaxation retreats are also on the rise."
Dubai resident Deepika Anush, 37, said "putting some money aside for travel is critical" as it keeps their "mental health intact".
"So, spending Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 on a trip does not make me guilty. This is our time as a family and I wouldn’t trade this for anything else." she said.
“My husband and I lead a busy lifestyle and hardly get to spend time at leisure. Juggling my kid’s activities, work, and home, we don’t get that downtime as a family. So, when we go on a holiday, we often pick relaxing destinations. We’re travelling to Zanzibar in March 2025.”
Anush believes that with people employed in high-paying jobs, they are willing to shell out money for luxury travel. "That said, we also tend to plan early, so we grab the best deals and can save on airfare and accommodation."
Travel spending behaviour in the UAE reflects the country's economic stability, said Akram Adel, general manager at Al Tayer Travel.
“The country's high-income levels and varied range of travel options are also key factors that contribute to maintaining a stable travel culture,” he added.
Singh from Travelwings also said residents are ready to spend from Dh2,500 to Dh5,000 per person on vacations. “Younger travellers, aged 22 to 27, often look for affordable packages that include cultural experiences and adventures. We currently see a trend where spendings per traveller typically fall between Dh2,500 and Dh3,500.”
“Luxury experiences cost more, with travellers allocating up to Dh18,000 per person for a week-long holiday, including premium accommodations and activities,” Singh said.
Skyscanner's study also shows that budget considerations remain a crucial factor for UAE travellers. The drastic shift in airfares, however, has made certain destinations more accessible. As per the report published in October 2024, there has been a 20- to 30-per-cent drop in fares to places like Budapest, Turkey, China, Japan, and Baku.
There is also increasing preference for long-haul destinations like Japan, the US, and Latin America. Travellers are likewise opting for luxury accommodations, high-end brands, cruises, and exclusive attractions as part of their travel experience.
According to Skyscanner, these travel trends will dominate next year:
Astrotourism
There's a significant rise in celestial tourism, where travellers seek destinations offering prime conditions for stargazing. This aligns with the increasing interest in celestial events and astronomy.
Gami-vacation
Game-themed travel is becoming the new ‘in’ thing, with gaming enthusiasts bringing to life their online world. According to the report, 81 per cent of UAE travellers are inspired to book a trip abroad based on locations from their favourite video game.
Art venture
Immersive art experiences are captivating art-venturers, who travel to participate in innovative exhibitions that bring to life famous artworks. These immersive experiences offer a new way to engage with art, making it a dynamic part of the travel itinerary for those seeking cultural enrichment.
Horti-culture
Horti-culture enthusiasts are on the lookout for breathtaking gardens and flora. Whether it's the vibrant tulip fields of the Netherlands or the vast botanical gardens of Kew in London, the beauty of plant life is a significant draw for these travellers.
Sports-mode
The rise of ‘behind-the-scenes’ sports shows, and the growing interest in sports, have made travellers eager to bring their attend sporting events like Formula 1. As per Skyscanner's report, over 43 per cent of 25-34-year-olds, and 45 per cent of all UAE travellers, plan to travel domestically or internationally to see a sporting event in 2025.
Reset jetters
As part of a broader move towards healthier living, travellers are willing to blend travel with health and wellness. They are not just vacationing; they are rejuvenating, engaging in activities that enhance well-being and longevity. From spa retreats to yoga workshops in serene locales, reset-jetters prioritise their physical and mental health.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com
ALSO READ:
The vessel was 10 nautical miles from Zirku Island
uae22 hours ago
The MEED Project Awards, regarded as the gold standard in the MENA region since 2007, celebrate the best in engineering, innovation, and sustainability
uae22 hours ago
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor's donation to Al Jalila Foundation will also be used to renovate the nephrology unit at Dubai Hospital
uae23 hours ago
He was a towering figure in education, social service, and corporate governance
uae1 day ago
For the first time, dates for both Grade 10 and Grade 12 board exams have been released 86 days ahead
uae1 day ago
The outage comes on a day bitcoin surged to levels to over $98,000 and pulled other crypto stocks along with it
uae1 day ago
After years of practicing in Al Ain, Yas Marina Circuit and Dubai Autodrome, Al Jaeedi decided to take another hobby into action
uae1 day ago
Annual educational fees total Dh40,000, with additional Dh40,000 for therapy services, varying based on individual needs
uae1 day ago