New break trend: short and nearby
Visa found that 87% of UAE residents preferred short getaways over extended trips this Eid (June 5–8). Whether that meant a quick flight to Europe’s cooler climates or a luxury stay within the country, the shift reflects changing priorities — convenience, comfort, and curated experiences.
Though outbound travel rose slightly by 2% from last year, spending habits revealed UAE travellers weren’t splurging indiscriminately. London topped the list of international destinations, accounting for 4% of all outbound travellers and 5% of total overseas spend. Paris and Istanbul followed, both offering distinct travel value: Paris for luxury shopping, and Istanbul for affordability and retail appeal.
Yet, the biggest surprise came from within the UAE itself.
Staycations saw a surge
Visa’s data shows that domestic spending jumped 68% year-on-year, while spend per card rose 20%, signaling a strong staycation boom.
More UAE residents are choosing to re-explore Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, with stays centered around fine dining, shopping, and family experiences.
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Dubai led the way, claiming 70% of local spend and more than half of all domestic travellers.
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Abu Dhabi captured 21% of staycationers, with major spending on upscale experiences.
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Sharjah, known for its cultural charm, saw a 33% share of spending on food and dining among its visitors.
Salima Gutieva, Visa’s VP and Country Manager for the UAE, said the findings reveal a “dual trend” in UAE travel habits: “While many UAE residents took advantage of short-haul getaways to cooler destinations like London, Paris, and Istanbul, others embraced high-quality local experiences.”
What’s behind the staycation shift?
Experts point to several factors:
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Travel fatigue from long-haul planning and airport crowds
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Desire for family-friendly, instant getaways
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Rising awareness of homegrown luxury and leisure offerings
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Tailored card rewards and partnerships that make local travel more appealing
With more merchants now offering Visa-exclusive deals, and banks promoting early booking rewards, the appeal of a premium weekend in Ras Al Khaimah or a food-focused retreat in Abu Dhabi is becoming hard to ignore.
Bottom line for UAE travellers?
This Eid showed that getting away doesn’t always mean going far. Whether it’s the air-conditioned comforts of a 5-star Dubai hotel or exploring Sharjah’s food scene, staycations are no longer the backup plan — they’re the main attraction.
Justin is a personal finance author and seasoned business journalist with over a decade of experience. He makes it his mission to break down complex financial topics and make them clear, relatable, and relevant—helping everyday readers navigate today’s economy with confidence.
Before returning to his Middle Eastern roots, where he was born and raised, Justin worked as a Business Correspondent at Reuters, reporting on equities and economic trends across both the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions.
