UAE Travellers Redefine Holidays for 2026
From Farm Stays to Set-Jetting: How UAE Residents Will Travel in 2026
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 Expedia, titled Unpack ’26, shows that UAE travellers are choosing purpose-driven, experiential trips that enrich their minds and hearts as much as their Instagram feeds.
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.
1. Smarter and More Sustainable Travel
Expedia’s Smart Travel Health Check framework is at the core of this transformation. Inspired by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), it identifies destinations that combine beauty with responsibility — places that protect their culture and environment while welcoming visitors.
“Travelers today want to do more than just see the world — they want to protect it,” said Ariane Gorin, CEO of Expedia Group. “We have a responsibility to make travel smarter, more sustainable, and more respectful.”
Destinations like Okinawa (Japan), Savoie (France), and Hobart (Australia) 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.
The shift is clear: travellers are moving from checklist-style vacations to purpose-driven journeys that support local economies and reduce environmental footprints.
2. Fan Voyages: Sport as a Cultural Connection
The next major trend is “Fan Voyages” — travel motivated by the love of sport. Instead of simply attending major global tournaments, UAE residents want to immerse themselves in local sports traditions.
Expedia’s data reveals that 86% of UAE travellers are eager to try sports unique to their destinations. Picture Emiratis practicing Muay Thai in Thailand, watching sumo wrestling in Japan, or cheering for Banana Ball in the United States.
For Gen Z and Millennials, 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.
3. The Return of Set-Jetting
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 81% of UAE travellers are more likely to visit destinations featured in their favorite TV shows or movies.
Imagine exploring Tuscany after watching Netflix’s Jay Kelly, sailing through Greece inspired by The Odyssey, or wandering through Yorkshire, UK, where Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will soon be filmed.
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.
4. New Kinds of Stays: From Farms to Hotel Hops
Traditional hotels are taking a back seat as travellers seek places with a story. The Unpack ’26 report identifies three standout stay trends:
Salvaged Stays: Old schools, train stations, and banks repurposed as boutique hotels are attracting curious travellers who love history and design.
Hotel Hopping: Around 81% of UAE travellers plan to stay at multiple hotels within one trip — mixing luxury with budget or experiencing different neighbourhoods in the same city.
Farm Charm: An impressive 84% say they want to stay on or near a farm, swapping skylines for starlit skies and concrete for countryside calm.
These “slow travel” stays reflect a desire to reconnect with nature and live like a local, even if only for a few days.
5. Readaways: The Rise of Literary Escapes
The most unexpected trend for 2026? “Readaways” — holidays built around books and reading. Fueled by the ongoing popularity of #BookTok and literary influencers, these quiet retreats combine the love of literature with travel.
Pinterest searches for “book club retreat ideas” have skyrocketed 265%, 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.
These literary getaways blend mindfulness with minimalism, encouraging travellers to slow down and find joy in solitude.
The Future: Meaningful, Mindful, and Memorable
The 2026 travel forecast for UAE residents paints a vivid picture of intentional exploration. 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.
Expedia sums it up perfectly: “The future of travel isn’t just about seeing the world — it’s about experiencing it thoughtfully, one meaningful journey at a time.”
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