Today's Edition
Batool Ghaith (Abu Dhabi)
Abu Dhabi is emerging as a top staycation destination this holy month of Ramadan, as UAE residents increasingly opt for local cultural experiences and spiritually focused city breaks instead of long international holidays, according to new data from travel platform Wego.
During the holy month, travel behaviour across the UAE tend to shift toward shorter, more intentional trips that align with adjusted daily routines, the report added. Findings also showed a growing preference for heritage experiences and meaningful cultural engagement.
The latest data from Wego, a global travel search platform, show that UAE residents' staycation searches have more than doubled compared to Ramadan 2025, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai ranking as the most searched destinations.
About 31% of hotel searches focus on four-star properties. Meanwhile, average hotel rates during Ramadan 2026 have increased by 17%, reflecting stronger demand for short domestic getaways.
Location plays a central role in travel decisions during Ramadan, Wego revealed, as guests prioritise hotels near mosque districts, cultural venues, Ramadan tents, and evening promenades. Nearly 75% of top-searched properties are located near heritage areas and cultural landmarks.
Among those who opt to travel abroad during this period, Wego found that demand remains largely regional. Flight searches to nearby MENA destinations have surged by 94%, driven primarily by family visits and culturally significant journeys, the report said. These trips are typically short-haul, with average airfares rising 9% year on year.
Frank Porter, a Dubai-based holiday home management company, also highlighted shifting travel patterns during Ramadan, based on its internal booking and performance data across more than 700 managed properties in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi is a leading Ramadan destination, with average occupancy reaching 75% to 80% across professionally managed units, exceeding typical shoulder-season expectations, the company told Aletihad.
Data also showed a noticeable increase in the average length of stay, with many bookings extending beyond five nights, particularly among GCC families and culture-focused travellers.
This performance, Frank Porter said, aligns with Abu Dhabi's growing appeal as a cultural and family-friendly destination, attracting guests seeking quieter, experience-driven stays.
Its data also revealed that guests increasingly preferred locations with easy access to mosques and areas suitable for evening walks.
