Travel Trends for UAE Residents in 2025: From Nostalgia to Sleep Tourism

Tuesday, 6 May 2025

As travel continues its impressive rebound, the GCC outbound market is poised for major growth in the coming years. Reflecting this momentum, Hilton has unveiled its 2025 Trends Report—an insightful global study that uncovers evolving traveler behaviors across key regions, including the UAE.

The findings highlight a fascinating shift: UAE residents are now choosing destinations tied to childhood dreams, placing a higher value on restful experiences like sleep tourism, and meticulously planning their future getaways.

Top motivations for travel among UAE residents include spending quality time with loved ones (45%) and taking time to rest and recharge (42%). Other emerging priorities include cultural exploration (31%), unique experiences (28%), discovering new places (28%), revisiting familiar favorites (26%), and personal well-being (26%).

Table of Contents

• Heritage and Leisure: Making Meaningful Memories with Family
• Travel Staples: Rest, Relaxation & Sleep-Focused Escapes
• Eco-Conscious Travel: Smarter, Greener Choices
• Frequently asked questions

Heritage and Leisure: Making Meaningful Memories with Family

For nearly half (45%) of UAE travelers, leisure trips are centered around quality time with family and friends. Interestingly, 36% of young adults aged 18–34 are planning to travel with their parents in the coming year—highlighting a growing trend of multi-generational vacations.

When it comes to family travel, nostalgia plays a big role. Three out of four UAE travelers with children choose destinations they dreamed of visiting during their own childhood. Furthermore, 80% say their trips often help them reconnect with their cultural roots or heritage.

Building lasting memories is a top priority for families, with 84% of those traveling with kids seeking destinations that offer meaningful experiences. Authentic local activities are also high on the list for 80% of family travelers. Notably, parents are highly attuned to their children’s needs—81% of travelers aged 18–34 and 35–49 say they choose restaurants based on what their kids prefer.

Travel Staples: Rest, Relaxation & Sleep-Focused Escapes

UAE travelers are prioritizing rest and wellness on their holidays. A large majority (81%) seek pampering experiences, while 71% enjoy relaxing by the beach or pool. Wellness is key, with 43% booking spa treatments to improve sleep.

Leisure travel far outweighs business, with 85% traveling for fun in the past year. Globally, downtime is in—38% of UAE travelers even spend a full day in bed while away, especially Gen Z and Millennials. Hotel sleep matters too—57% choose stays with sleep-friendly amenities, and 62% say they sleep better in hotels than at home.

Eco-Conscious Travel: Smarter, Greener Choices

Sustainability is top of mind for UAE travellers, with 84% actively seeking eco-friendly travel options. Informed decisions matter—80% say it’s important for hotels to share details about their sustainability initiatives, helping them make smarter, greener choices while on the go.

Future-Focused Travel: Planning Ahead Builds Excitement

Looking ahead to 2025, over half of UAE travellers plan to take more leisure trips, with 31% already having one booked. Convenience is key—85% prefer to book their entire trip online, while 87% still value the option to speak to someone if needed. Additionally, 80% enjoy having a daily itinerary to make the most of their travel experience.

As we step into 2025, UAE travellers are embracing a fresh and meaningful approach to travel—one rooted in nostalgia, wellness, and sustainability. From reconnecting with family and cultural roots to prioritising rest, relaxation, and responsible choices, today’s travellers are planning their journeys with more intention than ever before. With the rise of digital convenience and a growing desire for immersive, memorable experiences, the future of travel in the UAE looks both exciting and deeply personal. Whether it’s a childhood dream destination, a sleep-focused getaway, or an eco-friendly retreat, 2025 promises to be the year of purposeful travel.