UAE Travellers Redefine Holidays for 2026
<h3><strong>From Farm Stays to Set-Jetting: How UAE Residents Will Travel in 2026</strong></h3><p>As 2026 approaches, travel trends are shifting dramatically for UAE residents. Gone are the days of purely luxurious beach holidays and shopping getaways. A new report from <strong>Expedia</strong>, titled <i>Unpack ’26</i>, shows that UAE travellers are choosing purpose-driven, experiential trips that enrich their minds and hearts as much as their Instagram feeds.</p><p>The findings highlight five key trends — smarter travel, sports-based adventures, screen-inspired trips, creative accommodation choices, and literary escapes — all pointing toward a new era of thoughtful exploration.</p><h4><strong>1. Smarter and More Sustainable Travel</strong></h4><p>Expedia’s <i>Smart Travel Health Check</i> framework is at the core of this transformation. Inspired by the <strong>World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)</strong>, it identifies destinations that combine beauty with responsibility — places that protect their culture and environment while welcoming visitors.</p><p>“Travelers today want to do more than just see the world — they want to protect it,” said <strong>Ariane Gorin</strong>, CEO of Expedia Group. “We have a responsibility to make travel smarter, more sustainable, and more respectful.”</p><p>Destinations like <strong>Okinawa (Japan)</strong>, <strong>Savoie (France)</strong>, and <strong>Hobart (Australia)</strong> top the list for being eco-conscious yet immersive. They encourage slower travel, local engagement, and low-impact exploration — values that resonate deeply with today’s UAE traveller seeking meaning over materialism.</p><p>The shift is clear: travellers are moving from checklist-style vacations to purpose-driven journeys that support local economies and reduce environmental footprints.</p><h4><strong>2. Fan Voyages: Sport as a Cultural Connection</strong></h4><p>The next major trend is <strong>“Fan Voyages”</strong> — travel motivated by the love of sport. Instead of simply attending major global tournaments, UAE residents want to <strong>immerse themselves in local sports traditions</strong>.</p><p>Expedia’s data reveals that <strong>86% of UAE travellers</strong> are eager to try sports unique to their destinations. Picture Emiratis practicing <strong>Muay Thai in Thailand</strong>, watching <strong>sumo wrestling in Japan</strong>, or cheering for <strong>Banana Ball</strong> in the United States.</p><p>For <strong>Gen Z and Millennials</strong>, sports travel isn’t about competition — it’s about culture, community, and adrenaline. These experiences connect travellers to local life and offer a story that lasts long after the trip ends.</p><h4><strong>3. The Return of Set-Jetting</strong></h4><p>If you’ve ever wanted to visit a place just because you saw it on screen — you’re not alone. “Set-jetting,” or film-inspired travel, is making a comeback in 2026. Expedia’s survey shows that <strong>81% of UAE travellers</strong> are more likely to visit destinations featured in their favorite TV shows or movies.</p><p>Imagine exploring <strong>Tuscany</strong> after watching Netflix’s <i>Jay Kelly</i>, sailing through <strong>Greece</strong> inspired by <i>The Odyssey</i>, or wandering through <strong>Yorkshire, UK</strong>, where <i>Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale</i> will soon be filmed.</p><p>These cinematic journeys turn entertainment into inspiration — merging pop culture with wanderlust. UAE residents, known for their love of film and luxury, are expected to lead this global trend.</p><h4><strong>4. New Kinds of Stays: From Farms to Hotel Hops</strong></h4><p>Traditional hotels are taking a back seat as travellers seek places with a story. The <i>Unpack ’26</i> report identifies three standout stay trends:</p><p><strong>Salvaged Stays:</strong> Old schools, train stations, and banks repurposed as boutique hotels are attracting curious travellers who love history and design.</p><p><strong>Hotel Hopping:</strong> Around <strong>81% of UAE travellers</strong> plan to stay at multiple hotels within one trip — mixing luxury with budget or experiencing different neighbourhoods in the same city.</p><p><strong>Farm Charm:</strong> An impressive <strong>84%</strong> say they want to stay on or near a farm, swapping skylines for starlit skies and concrete for countryside calm.</p><p>These “slow travel” stays reflect a desire to <strong>reconnect with nature</strong> and <strong>live like a local</strong>, even if only for a few days.</p><h4><strong>5. Readaways: The Rise of Literary Escapes</strong></h4><p>The most unexpected trend for 2026? <strong>“Readaways”</strong> — holidays built around books and reading. Fueled by the ongoing popularity of <strong>#BookTok</strong> and literary influencers, these quiet retreats combine the love of literature with travel.</p><p>Pinterest searches for “book club retreat ideas” have skyrocketed <strong>265%</strong>, revealing that UAE readers are increasingly interested in cozy, contemplative escapes. Think mountain lodges, seaside cottages, or heritage homes where guests can unwind with novels and notebooks instead of screens.</p><p>These literary getaways blend mindfulness with minimalism, encouraging travellers to slow down and find joy in solitude.</p><h3><strong>The Future: Meaningful, Mindful, and Memorable</strong></h3><p>The 2026 travel forecast for UAE residents paints a vivid picture of <strong>intentional exploration</strong>. Whether it’s an eco-friendly escape, a farm stay under the stars, or a movie-inspired adventure, every journey is becoming more personal, immersive, and sustainable.</p><p>Expedia sums it up perfectly: <i>“The future of travel isn’t just about seeing the world — it’s about experiencing it thoughtfully, one meaningful journey at a time.”</i></p>