Travellers from the UAE are prioritising rest and relaxation during their holidays, according to a study. Hilton released its 2025 Trends Report – a global study that explores traveller behaviours across key markets, including the UAE.
Globally, travellers are embracing downtime, with some, including 38% of UAE residents, often staying in bed for an entire day. Gen Z and Millennials are more likely enjoy this practice than their older counterparts. To get a great night’s sleep, 57% of UAE travellers often prioritise hotels with amenities designed for better sleep. In fact, 62% say they sleep better at a hotel than at home.
2025 Trends Report
The research revealed that 81% of UAE travellers value being pampered during their trips, and 71% enjoy lying the beach or by the pool all day. Additionally, 43% often book wellness or spa experiences during their travels to enhance their sleep.
UAE travellers are also more likely to have travelled for leisure reasons than business, with 85% saying they have travelled for leisure in the past 12 months, compared to just 56% for business.
The research revealed that UAE travellers are picking destinations they dreamed of visiting as a child, prioritising a good night’s sleep, and forward planning their next trip.
Leisure travel
In the UAE, the top two reasons for leisure travel are spending quality time with friends and family (45%) and resting and recharging (42%). These are followed by learning about the world and cultures (31%), seeking one-of-a-kind experiences (28%), discovering new locations (28%), recreating memories from familiar destinations (26%) and self-discovery and mental health (26%).
Nearly half (45%) of UAE travellers plan their leisure travel around spending quality time with their family or friends. Additionally, 36% of 18–34-year-olds plan to travel with their parents next year.
When travelling with children, three in four (75%) UAE travellers pick destinations that they wanted to visit as a child. Additionally, 80% often learn about their culture or background, a sentiment.
Among those travelling with children, places to build lasting memories (84%) remain high on the travel agenda, along with seeking out authentic local experiences (80%). People travelling with kids make most of their travel decisions around their kid’s needs, with 81% of 18–34-year-olds and 35–49-year-olds picking restaurants based on the child’s preferences.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
