UAE, Saudi travellers will take at least 7 holidays in 2025; travel trends revealed

Dubai: Travel is still at the top of this year’s UAE and Saudi Arabian holidaygoers’ itinerary. A recent study from Marriott Bonvoy – the 2025 Ticket to Travel research – found that travellers across the two markets will be doing a total of 7 holidays or trips in 2025 – the equivalent of more than one every two months,

The report surveyed 4,700 travellers in the two countries and said travellers across UAE and KSA plan to go on 2.7 domestic holidays within their own country in 2025 (2.7 for those from UAE and 2.6 for KSA).

“In addition, they plan to take 2.3 short-haul holidays with a four-hour flight or less (2.5 for UAE and 2 for KSA) and plan to take 2.1 long-haul holidays (2.3 in UAE and 1.8 in KSA),” the report explained.

The research was conducted amongst 21,374 adults in ten markets across Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EMEA).

In UAE and Saud Arabia, the report found that 84 per cent in each market will indulge in more or the same number of holidays they went on last year. Meanwhile, 54 per cent of travellers across the two countries (54 per cent in UAE and 53 per cent in KSA) plan to go on more holidays in 2025 vs 2024. Only nine per cent plan to do fewer (10 per cent in UAE and 7 per cent in KSA).

According to Sandeep Walia, chief operating officer, Middle East and Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa, said, “The vast majority of travellers across the UAE and Saudi Arabia will do as many, or more, holidays and breaks in 2025, than they did in 2024. This strong desire for international, regional and domestic travel is great news for the industry, and we are excited for the year ahead.”

The research also shows that despite planning more holidays, consumers are looking for the best value for money from holidays in 2025, regardless of their budget. “The main thing that would tip travellers considering a holiday over the edge to book it is ‘getting a special price’ (54 per cent – 51 per cent in UAE and 57 per cent in KSA),” read the report.

Walia explained, “The research also identifies several trends for 2025. Bravecations and heritage holidays will be key themes for next year, with savvy spending being a key consideration for many when booking their holidays, irrespective of budget.”

The research also identified several emerging or growing travel trends. Amongst them are ‘Heritage Holidays’ - a holiday one takes to explore their family’s heritage, history or ancestry.

More than four in ten have previously taken a heritage holiday - (49 per cent in UAE and 41 per cent in KSA). A further 44 per cent plan to next year or shortly (47 per cent in UAE and 40 per cent in KSA), stated the report.

In total, 81 per cent of people across both markets plan to go on a ‘heritage holiday’ - reaching 85 per cent for those aged 25-34.

The key driver behind this trend is travellers believing ‘It is important to know where your family come from and understand what their life was like’ (43 per cent across both markers – 44 per cent in UAE and 41 per cent in KSA).

Bravecations - the travellers’ propensity to be braver when they go on holiday and being more likely to try things they wouldn’t at home - is another trend highlighted in the report.  More than eight in ten travellers across both markets say they are braver on holiday (80 per cent in UAE and 83 per cent in KSA).

The top three things people do on holiday that they wouldn’t be brave enough to try at home are: climbing up something high, high-octane activities such as zip lining, skydiving or theme park rides, and trying unusual food.