Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Fifty-six percent of travellers in the UAE are planning to take more holidays next year compared to 2025, according to Marriott Bonvoy's newly released 2026 Ticket to Travel Report.
The research indicates travel appetite remains strong among UAE residents, with 84% intending to take the same number or more trips in the year ahead. UAE travellers are also planning further ahead, booking holidays an average of 2.5 months in advance, it added.
These findings are based on a survey of 4,017 adults across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
According to the report, 75% of respondents say they "probably or definitely" plan to visit multiple countries within one trip in 2026. On average, travellers from both countries intend to take three domestic holidays, two short-haul breaks, and two long-haul trips next year.
Popular international travel destinations for travellers in the UAE and KSA include Italy, Switzerland, France, and Turkiye.
Tech-savvy Tourists
The report also revealed that AI is rapidly becoming mainstream in regional travel planning. Nearly three-quarters of travellers (72%) have used AI to research or organise a holiday, rising to 77% in the UAE and 68% in Saudi Arabia. ChatGPT is the preferred tool among AI users, followed by Gemini and Copilot.
Seventy-one percent of UAE travellers say that in future, they would feel "comfortable" booking holiday accommodation through AI platforms.
The report also highlighted the rise of "lux-scaping", where travellers book a luxury stay at the beginning or end of a trip. More than 83% of travellers in the UAE have tried this at least once, and 36% have done it in the past 12 months.
Respondents cited its ability to help them relax into a holiday or return home feeling refreshed.Passion-led travel is another strong trend, with 84% of travellers in the UAE having taken holidays centred around a specific interest.
At 53%, travelling to watch or play a sport was found to be the passion which UAE travellers are most likely to base a holiday around.
This is closely followed by going away to explore or do something adventurous, such as a safaris or treks, and participating in a music or cultural event.
A Look Into Preferences
When it comes to accommodation, customer service, cleanliness and location remain top priorities remain top priorities for UAE travellers.They also increasingly value family-friendly environments and on-site dining options. Many are also willing to pay extra for perks such as room-location preferences or guaranteed early check-in.
Value and loyalty continue to shape booking decisions. More than a third of UAE travellers say they will book a trip if they find a special price, and 42% cite hotel loyalty programmes as a key influence - above the EMEA average of 32%.
Sustainability also remains front of mind for travellers in the Emirates, with 84% of those surveyed saying they look into the environmental impact of their travel plans before booking a holiday.
