Travel has seen a remarkable surge and the GCC outbound market is forecast to grow exponentially over the next five years. Putting the spotlight on some of the emerging travel themes, Hilton released its 2025 Trends Report – a global study that explores traveler behaviours across key markets, including the UAE. The research reveals that UAE travelers are picking destinations they dreamed of visiting as a child, prioritising a good night’s sleep, and forward planning their next trip.
In the UAE, the top two reasons for leisure travel are spending quality time with friends and family (45 percent) and resting and recharging (42 percent). These are followed by learning about the world and cultures (31 percent), seeking one-of-a-kind experiences (28 percent), discovering new locations (28 percent), recreating memories from familiar destinations (26 percent) and self-discovery and mental health (26 percent).
HERITAGE AND LEISURE: Creating Memories with Family
Nearly half (45 percent) of UAE travelers plan their leisure travel around spending quality time with their family or friends. Additionally, 36 percent of 18–34-year-olds plan to travel with their parents next year.
When traveling with children, three in four (75 percent) UAE travelers pick destinations that they wanted to visit as a child. Additionally, 80 percent often learn about their culture or background, a sentiment.
Among those traveling with children, places to build lasting memories (84 percent) remain high on the travel agenda, along with seeking out authentic local experiences (80 percent). People travelling with kids make most of their travel decisions around their kid’s needs, with 81 percent of 18–34-year-olds and 35–49-year-olds picking restaurants based on the child’s preferences.
TRAVEL STAPLES: Rest, Relaxation and a Good Night’s Sleep
Travelers from the UAE are prioritising rest and relaxation during their holidays, with a strong preference for beach and poolside activities, pampering, and wellness experiences. The research revealed that 81 percent of UAE travelers value being pampered during their trips, and 71 percent enjoy lying the beach or by the pool all day. Additionally, 43 percent often book wellness or spa experiences during their travels to enhance their sleep.
UAE travelers are also more likely to have travelled for leisure reasons than business, with 85 percent saying they have traveled for leisure in the past 12 months, compared to just 56 percent for business.
Globally, travelers are embracing downtime, with some, including 38 percent 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 percent of UAE travelers often prioritise hotels with amenities designed for better sleep. In fact, 62 percent say they sleep better at a hotel than at home.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Eco-Conscious Travelers Keen to make Smart Choices
Eco-conscious travel is continuing to rise, with 84 percent looking for eco-friendly travel options and sustainable practices. Being informed also helps them to make better choices, with 80 percent of UAE travelers believing it’s important to receive communications from the hotel about their sustainability programme.
THINKING AHEAD: Forward Planning Fuels Forward-Looking Excitement
More than half of UAE travelers plan to increase their leisure travel in 2025 and nearly a third (31 percent) have already booked at least one trip for the upcoming year. The vast majority (85 percent) want the ability to book a whole trip entirely online, and a similar number (87 percent) want the ability to speak to someone if they have an issue or questions when booking. Lastly, 80 percent like to have an agenda for each day of their trip.
“As a leading global hospitality brand, we know that a great stay is what matters most to customers,” said Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president of Europe Middle East and Africa. “Our 2025 Trends Report shows that resting and recharging continue to be primary motivators to travel, and exploring nostalgic destinations with family and friends is on the rise. Hilton is committed to providing great stays for any occasion, anywhere our guests want to travel. Of course, all underpinned by friendly and reliable service that guests have come to expect at any of our 8,000 hotels around the world.”
