These practices range from “phone-free” holidays to more intensive darkness retreats, and are rising in popularity around the world with significant interest also seen in the Middle East
Travel
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Cruise
Cruise giant Celestyal inks three-year tourism deal with Abu Dhabi
Celestyal is set to return to the region with two ships in December this year
Burj Al Arab
Dubai’s Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab ‘more than just a resort’ says hotel boss
Dubai’s newest luxury resort, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, offers transformative wellness, cultural collaborations, and 11 dining concepts, marking a new era in high-end hospitality
Airfares
TikTok-trending destinations see over 40% search increase, Expedia reports
Expedia’s TikTok-driven travel guide reveals top 2025 destinations with insider tips and deals
Cruise
Celestyal launches new cruises for its winter Sun season in the Arabian Gulf
The itineraries mark the cruise line’s return to Egypt after a two-year break
travel destinations
UAE travel searches follow award-nominated films, says new Expedia report
The travel company has documented significant increases in interest to locations that have appeared on screen
High Net Worth Individuals
Luxury travel for the ultra-wealthy: Inside the Dubai company that curates expeditions for the rich
The Dubai-based company has been serving clients with a net worth of over $50 million, including several celebrities, legacy families, and entrepreneurs, for over 16 years
Abu Dhabi
Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat: A Mediterranean oasis between two cities
Crisp white walls and Mediterranean flair create a genuine retreat from urban life and transport guests on an exclusive Aegean escape on the Arabian Gulf
Eid Al Fitr
UAE travellers choose international destinations; Maldives tops list of Eid Al-Fitr
Vietnam, Japan, Italy, and Switzerland have recorded the highest year-on-year growth in demand among UAE travellers
airline bookings
UAE travellers face stress when booking holidays, says new YouGov report
The study found that more than two-thirds of UAE travellers experience at least one stress point during the process
Four Seasons
Revealed: The island location four hours from Dubai where the rich carry out secret business deals, meetings
With two locations in Seychelles, the Four Seasons offers exclusivity, ultra-luxury properties and world-class amenities in response to demand from high-net-worth individuals
Christmas
Revealed: Top European destinations for UAE travellers on Christmas, NYE 2025
Moscow, London and Baku took the top spots this festive season
travel destinations
UAE outbound travel trends for festive season revealed
The most popular departure dates fall between December 14 and 18, as travellers opt to extend their holiday breaks for maximum enjoyment
Skyscanner
UAE travellers to spend more on vacation this year, trends revealed: Skyscanner
The desire for travel remains strong among UAE residents, with 71 percent planning to increase their vacation spending in the coming year
Expedia
Expedia reveals top 2025 travel trends for UAE and global tourists
The platform’s destinations of the year are near popular hotspots, making them ideal day trips while also being attractive as main attractions
Bahrain
Surge in ‘workation’ in GCC as CEOs, business owners and top-paid expats take overseas family outings at whims
Seeking finest experiences such as sessions with top hairdressers, getting luxurious facials and shopping at top-end designer places are among the ‘to do’ items for their family members, while CEOs continue with company work on the go
Saudi Arabia
Travel trends: UAE, Saudi travellers embrace ‘Slow’, ‘Solo’ holidays amidst shift towards longer stays
According to a survey, a significant number of travellers from the UAE and Saudi Arabia have already embarked on slow holidays