Travel Trends for 2025: 71% of UAE Residents to Embrace Unique, Meaningful Journeys

Shahba Mayyeri -

A growing number of UAE residents are planning to explore unique and meaningful travel experiences in 2025, as predicted by Skyscanner’s latest report. The study reveals that 71% of UAE residents intend to travel next year, driven by a desire for collective experiences, cultural enrichment, and relaxation.

Amanpreet Singh, global chief commercial and strategy officer at Travelwings, emphasized that despite rising geopolitical tensions, UAE residents are prioritizing vacations as an escape from stress.

“The post-pandemic savings and the reassurance of enhanced safety measures have fueled their financial readiness for travel,”

Singh explained.

The Skyscanner report highlights several key travel trends for 2025, including:

  • Astrotourism: With growing interest in celestial events, stargazing destinations are gaining popularity.
  • Gami-Vacation: Gaming enthusiasts are booking trips inspired by locations from their favorite video games, a trend embraced by 81% of UAE travellers.
  • Art Ventures: Immersive art exhibitions that bring famous artworks to life are captivating cultural explorers.
  • Horti-Culture: Botanical gardens and stunning natural landscapes, such as the tulip fields of the Netherlands, attract plant enthusiasts.
  • Sports-Mode: Nearly half of UAE residents plan to attend international sporting events, including Formula 1 races.
  • Reset Jetters: Wellness-focused retreats combining travel with health activities like yoga and spa therapies are a priority for many.

Spending Habits and Destinations

The average spending per person varies widely. Younger travelers, aged 22-27, typically spend between Dh2,500 and Dh3,500 on cultural and adventure packages. Meanwhile, luxury travelers allocate up to Dh18,000 per person for premium experiences.

Dubai resident Deepika Anush, 37, underscored the importance of travel for mental health, sharing that her family budgets Dh5,000 to Dh10,000 per trip.

“This is our time as a family, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything else,”

she said, adding that early planning helps secure better deals.

The report also noted that airfares to destinations such as Budapest, Turkey, China, Japan, and Baku have dropped by 20–30%, making long-haul travel more accessible. High-end accommodations, exclusive attractions, and cruises are becoming part of the preferred travel package for UAE residents.

With travel offering not just an escape but a path to creating lasting memories, 2025 promises to be a year where UAE residents embrace journeys that enrich their lives and connect them with the world.

News Source: Khaleej Times