Travel patterns among UAE residents during Ramadan 2026 are showing a continued focus on domestic staycations, culturally immersive experiences, and spiritually oriented short breaks, according to Wego, the region’s leading travel app and online marketplace.
Data from Wego indicates that as Ramadan approaches, travellers are increasingly planning shorter, experience-led trips that align with the adjusted routines of the holy month.
Domestic travel remains dominant, while selective outbound trips are largely reserved for culturally and spiritually significant destinations.
Staycations remain central
Staycations continue to play a major role in Ramadan travel across the UAE, driven by convenience, flexible trip durations, and a strong calendar of cultural and religious activities across the emirates. Wego reports that searches for staycations from UAE residents have more than doubled compared to Ramadan 2025.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the most searched destinations for domestic stays, with around 31% of hotel searches focused on 4-star properties. Average hotel rates for Ramadan 2026 have risen by 17%, reflecting the increase in demand for short domestic breaks.
Wego data shows that during Ramadan, accommodation choices are increasingly influenced by location rather than amenities alone.
Travelers prioritise hotels with easy access to mosque districts, cultural venues, Ramadan tents, and evening promenades, enabling them to combine Iftar gatherings with late-night social and cultural activities within a single stay.
Cultural experiences
Cultural experiences remain a key factor in travel planning during Ramadan. Many UAE residents seek destinations that offer heritage, tradition, and a sense of community. As travel adjusts around the holy month, visitors are drawn to locations where they can engage meaningfully with local culture while maintaining a reflective pace.
Wego’s hotel data shows that nearly 75% of the most searched properties are located near cultural districts, heritage areas, or landmarks, highlighting the importance of culturally rich surroundings in Ramadan travel planning.
Selective outbound travel
While domestic trips dominate, Wego observes some outbound travel to nearby regional destinations with cultural or spiritual significance. Flight searches to other MENA countries increased by 94% year-on-year, largely linked to family visits and heritage-based travel.
Outbound journeys remain short and selective, with average airfares rising 9% compared to last year. Travelers appear to prioritise cultural relevance over purely leisure-focused destinations during Ramadan.
Mobile-led planning
Mobile platforms continue to shape travel decisions in the UAE, with 69% of bookings for Ramadan 2026 made through the Wego app. Users increasingly rely on mobile tools to compare prices, locations, and availability before confirming their trips.
Search behaviour also underscores the importance of location, with accommodation proximity to mosques, cultural districts, and dining areas being a key factor in decision-making during the holy month.
Wego’s insights highlight that Ramadan travel in the UAE is evolving towards experience-focused trips, blending religious, cultural, and social elements, while technology plays an increasingly central role in planning and booking.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
